EP4623710A1

EP4623710A1 - Non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system

Info

Publication number: EP4623710A1
Application number: EP22966520.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Masahiro Chida; Yasuhiro Nakagawa; Katsunori MURAKOSHI
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2022-11-25
Filing date: 2022-11-25
Publication date: 2025-10-01
Also published as: CN120225077A; WO2024111110A1; JPWO2024111110A1; KR20250087669A

Abstract

Provided is a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system capable of reducing a generated amount of a component secondarily generated during use. This non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system comprises: a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler including an aerosol source containing segment and a tobacco component containing segment disposed downstream of the aerosol source containing segment; and a heating device which includes a heater for heating the aerosol source containing segment and avoiding heating of the tobacco component containing segment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system.

BACKGROUND ART

The flavor of a burn-type flavor inhaler (cigarette) is experienced by burning a tobacco rod that contains a tobacco filling material. Heat-not-burn flavor inhalers, with which the flavor is experienced by heating instead of burning the tobacco rod, are being proposed as a substitute for burn-type flavor inhalers. In a heat-not-bum flavor inhaler, a tobacco rod is electrically heated at 200-400°C to volatilize a tobacco component which is inhaled by a user. The tobacco rod may be formed by wrapping the tobacco filling material with a paper wrapper or the like, in a cylindrical form. For example, the tobacco rod may be formed by grinding then mixing dried tobacco plant (mainly dried tobacco leaf), shaping the mixture into the form of a sheet, then cutting the sheet and wrapping it with a paper wrapper. Alternatively, the tobacco rod may be formed by crimping the sheet to form gathers, without cutting the shaped material, and then wrapping the sheet with the paper wrapper in that state. The tobacco filling material may comprise various volatile flavourings, in addition to tobacco plant. The tobacco filling material may further contain an aerosol source such as glycerol or propylene glycol. The aerosol source volatilizes when the tobacco rod is heated, and, as the user draws in, the aerosol source is cooled in a cooling segment disposed downstream of the tobacco rod, and is liquefied to form an aerosol which is then supplied into the user's mouth. The aerosol is supplied to the user along with the tobacco component, so the user can experience sufficient flavor.
Examples of heating methods that may be cited for heat-not-burn flavor inhalers which electrically heat a tobacco rod include a method of heating the outer circumference of the tobacco rod (e.g., see PTL 1), and a method of heating the inside of the tobacco rod (e.g., see PTL 2), etc. Meanwhile, PTL 3 and 4 describe a tobacco rod having two segments as a tobacco rod for a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler.

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE

PTL 1 JP 2019-523639 A
PTL 2 JP 6000451 B2
PTL 3 WO 2019/105750 A1
PTL 4 WO 2019/110747 A1

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

However, when a tobacco rod section filled with a tobacco filling material that contains an aerosol source is heated, nitroso compounds are generated by a nitrosation reaction of nitrous acid with amines contained in small amounts in the tobacco filling material, and carbonyl compounds and volatile components are formed by chemical changes stemming from the tobacco filling material. The aerosol may therefore contain these secondarily-generated components. It would be desirable to develop a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, and a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system comprising this heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, which suppress the formation of such secondarily-generated components.
The objective of the present invention lies in providing a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system capable of reducing the amount of secondarily-generated components which are formed during use.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[1] A heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system comprising: a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler that includes an aerosol source-containing segment and a tobacco component-containing segment disposed downstream from the aerosol source-containing segment; and
a heating device comprising a heater which heats the aerosol source-containing segment but does not heat the tobacco component-containing segment.
[2] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in [1], wherein the aerosol source contained in the aerosol source-containing segment is at least one selected from the group consisting of: glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, triacetin, and 1,3-butanediol.
[3] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in [1] or [2], wherein the aerosol source-containing segment includes an aerosol source support in which the aerosol source is supported by a carrier.
[4] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any of [1] to [3], wherein the content of the aerosol source contained in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler is 10-5000 mg.
[5] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any of [1] to [4], wherein the aerosol source-containing segment does not contain a tobacco component.
[6] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any of [1] to [5], wherein the tobacco component-containing segment includes at least one type of tobacco material selected from the group consisting of tobacco granules, tobacco powder, shredded tobacco, tobacco sheet, and tobacco extract.
[7] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any of [1] to [6], wherein the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler further comprises a flavoring component.
[8] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in [7], wherein the flavoring component is contained in a segment other than the aerosol source-containing segment.
[9] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in [7] or [8], wherein the flavoring component is contained in the tobacco component-containing segment.
[10] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in [6], wherein the tobacco-containing segment comprises a flavoring support and the tobacco material.
[11] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any of [1] to [10], wherein the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler further comprises at least one segment selected from the group consisting of: a cooling segment formed by a first cylindrical member having a perforation, a center hole segment formed by a second cylindrical member, and a filter segment.
[12] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as disclosed in any of [1] to [11], wherein a heating temperature of the aerosol source-containing segment afforded by the heater is 150-400°C.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The present invention makes it possible to provide a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system capable of reducing the amount of secondarily-generated components which are formed during use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler according to the embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to the embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of a heater in the heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment comprises: a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler that includes an aerosol source-containing segment and a tobacco component-containing segment disposed downstream from the aerosol source-containing segment; and a heating device comprising a heater which heats the aerosol source-containing segment but does not heat the tobacco component-containing segment.
In the heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment, an aerosol source and a tobacco component are contained in different segments of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler. That is to say, the aerosol source is contained in the aerosol source-containing segment, and the tobacco component is contained in the tobacco component-containing segment. Furthermore, a heater of the heating device heats the aerosol source-containing segment but does not heat the tobacco component-containing segment. That is to say, only the aerosol source-containing segment is heated by means of the heater. As a result, the tobacco component is not heated more than it needs to be, and it is presumed that the amount of secondarily-generated components which are formed can be reduced. When the aerosol source-containing segment is heated by means of the heater, the aerosol source is vaporized and then cooled so that an aerosol is generated. The aerosol source absorbs the tobacco component while passing through the tobacco component-containing segment, and is supplied to the user along with the tobacco component.
There is no particular limitation as to the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler according to this embodiment provided that it includes the aerosol source-containing segment and the tobacco component-containing segment, but the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler may further comprise, in addition to the aerosol source-containing segment and the tobacco component-containing segment, at least one segment selected from the group consisting of: a cooling segment formed by a first cylindrical member having a perforation, a center hole segment formed by a second cylindrical member, and a filter segment.
Fig. 1(a) shows an example of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. A heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 shown in fig. 1(a) comprises an aerosol-generating rod 2 and a mouthpiece segment 3. The aerosol-generating rod 2 comprises: an aerosol source-containing segment 4 comprising the aerosol source; and a tobacco component-containing segment 5 which comprises the tobacco component and is disposed downstream from the aerosol source-containing segment 4. The mouthpiece segment 3 comprises, in order from an upstream side: a cooling segment 6 formed by a first cylindrical member having a perforation; a center hole segment 7 formed by a second cylindrical member; and a filter segment. Here, an end portion of the filter segment 8 constitutes a mouthpiece portion, "upstream" denotes the opposite side to the mouthpiece portion, and "downstream" denotes the mouthpiece portion side. That is to say, in fig. 1(a), the aerosol source-containing segment 4 is positioned on the upstream side, and the filter segment 8 is positioned on the downstream side. It should be noted that the mouthpiece segment 3 in this embodiment need not comprise the center hole segment 7. Only the aerosol source-containing segment 4 is heated by means of the heater of the heating device, and the aerosol source in the aerosol source-containing segment 4 is vaporized then cooled so that an aerosol is generated. The aerosol source absorbs the tobacco component while passing through the tobacco component-containing segment 5. After this, the aerosol travels to the mouthpiece segment 3 and is inhaled by the user from the end portion of the filter segment 8.
Fig. 2 shows an example of the heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system shown in fig. 2 comprises: the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 described above; and a heating device 27 for heating, from the outside, only the aerosol source-containing segment 4 of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1. Fig. 2(a) shows a state before the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 is inserted into the heating device 27, and fig. 2(b) shows a state where the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 has been inserted into the heating device 27 in order to be heated. The heating device 27 shown in fig. 2 comprises: a body 28, a heater 29, a metal tube 30, a battery unit 31, and a control unit 32. The body 28 comprises a cylindrical recess 33, and the heater 29 and metal tube 30 are disposed on an inside side face of the recess 33 at positions facing the aerosol source-containing segment 4 of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 which is inserted into the recess 33. The heater 29 may be a heater employing electrical resistance, and heating is provided by the heater 29 by means of a supply of electrical power from the battery unit 31 in accordance with a command from the control unit 32 which performs temperature control. The heat emitted from the heater 29 is transferred to the aerosol source-containing segment 4 of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 through the metal tube 30 which has high thermal conductivity.
Fig. 2(b) is a schematic depiction so there is a gap between the outer circumference of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 and the inner circumference of the metal tube 30, but in actual fact there is preferably no gap between the outer circumference of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 and the inner circumference of the metal tube 30, for purposes of efficient heat transfer. Furthermore, the heater 29 in fig. 2 heats only the side face of the aerosol source-containing segment 4 of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1, but the heater 29 may equally heat the side face and the bottom face of the aerosol source-containing segment 4. The side face and the bottom face of the aerosol source-containing segment 4 may be heated, as is the case with the heater 29 shown in fig. 3(a), for example.
Furthermore, the heater 29 in fig. 2 heats the aerosol source-containing segment 4 of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 from the outside (external heating), but it may equally heat the aerosol source-containing segment 4 from the inside (internal heating) or heat the aerosol source-containing segment 4 from the outside and from the inside. When the heater provides heating from the inside, a stiff plate-shaped, blade-shaped, or columnar heater is preferably used, without the metal tube 30 being used. Examples of such a heater which may be cited include a ceramic heater in which molybdenum or tungsten, etc. is applied onto a ceramic substrate. The inside of the aerosol source-containing segment 4 may be heated over the whole axial direction thereof, as is the case with the heater 29 shown in fig. 3(b), for example. Furthermore, an external-heating heater for heating the side face of the aerosol source-containing segment 4 may be combined with an internal-heating heater for heating the inside of the aerosol source-containing segment 4 over the whole axial direction thereof, as is the case with the heater 29 shown in fig. 3(c), for example. Furthermore, a susceptor material may be disposed inside the aerosol source-containing segment 4, and the aerosol source-containing segment 4 may be heated by means of induction heating. Microwave heating may be implemented instead of induction heating.
It should be noted that, in this embodiment, "a heater which heats the aerosol source-containing segment but does not heat the tobacco component-containing segment" means a heater which directly heats the aerosol source-containing segment but does not directly heat the tobacco component-containing segment. When the heater is an external-heating heater, for example, the heater 29 is provided at a position facing the aerosol source-containing segment 4 but a heater is not provided at a position facing the tobacco component-containing segment 5. When the heater is an internal-heating heater, a heater is positioned inside the aerosol source-containing segment, but a heater is not positioned inside the tobacco component-containing segment. Moreover, the tobacco component-containing segment is indirectly heated by means of heat transfer from the aerosol source-containing segment which has been heated by means of the heater, but this indirect heating does not correspond to heating afforded by the heater of this embodiment.
The heating temperature of the aerosol source-containing segment afforded by the heater is preferably 150-400°C, and more preferably 180-320°C. The aerosol source is sufficiently vaporized by a heating temperature of 150°C or greater. Furthermore, burning can be sufficiently prevented by a heating temperature of 400°C or less. It should be noted that the heating temperature denotes the temperature of the heater.

(Aerosol source-containing segment)

The aerosol source-containing segment according to this embodiment contains an aerosol source. Examples of the aerosol source which may be cited include glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, triacetin, and 1,3-butanediol. One type of aerosol source may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination. Meanwhile, the aerosol source-containing segment according to this embodiment preferably does not contain a tobacco component from the perspective of enabling a greater reduction in the amount of secondarily-generated components which are formed. Furthermore, when the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler comprises a flavoring component which will be described later, the flavoring component is preferably not contained in the aerosol source-containing segment, i.e., is preferably contained in a segment other than the aerosol source-containing segment.
The aerosol source-containing segment preferably comprises an aerosol source support in which the aerosol source is supported by a carrier. The carrier is preferably a porous material from the perspective of enabling the aerosol source to be sufficiently retained. Examples of porous materials which may be cited include nonwoven fabrics, dietary fiber sheets, and paper, etc. The aerosol source support preferably has a content of the aerosol source contained in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler which is an amount of 10-5000 g, more preferably 10-200 mg, and even more preferably 20-120 mg. The aerosol source may also be supported by another carrier, other than a porous material, such as a metal foil, wood, carbon, cellulose powder, alumina powder, silicon dioxide, or fiber, for example.
As shown in fig. 1(a), the aerosol source-containing segment 4 may comprise, for example: a cylindrical wrapper 10, and an aerosol support 9 which fills the inside of the wrapper 10. When the carrier of the aerosol source support is a nonwoven fabric, there is no particular limitation as to the thickness of the nonwoven fabric but it may be 0.1-2.0 mm, for example. Furthermore, when the carrier of the aerosol source support is paper, there is no particular limitation as to the thickness of the paper but it may be 50-200 µm, for example. In terms of the form of filling, for example, multiple sheets of the aerosol source carrier may be stacked and folded into an S-shape, and the inside of the wrapper may be filled with the folded sheets in that state. Furthermore, a sheet of the aerosol source carrier may be gathered, and the inside of the wrapper may be filled with the gathered sheet in that state.
The wrapper is preferably a wrapper having low liquid permeability, from the perspective of suppressing seepage of the aerosol source. Examples of sparingly liquid-permeable wrappers that may be cited include: a metal foil, a laminated sheet comprising a metal foil and paper, a polymer film, a laminated sheet comprising a polymer film and paper, and paper surface-coated with a coating agent which obstructs liquid permeation, such as modified cellulose, modified starch, polyvinyl alcohol, and vinyl acetate, etc. The wrapper preferably comprises a metal foil having excellent thermal conductivity from the perspective of enabling a uniform temperature distribution in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol source-containing segment, in addition to the perspective of preventing liquid permeation. In addition, it is possible to achieve an external appearance resembling that of a normal burn-type flavor inhaler (cigarette) by using a laminated sheet comprising a metal foil and paper as the wrapper, with the metal foil being positioned on the inside and the paper being positioned on the outside.
The aerosol source-containing segment preferably further comprises a thickener from the point of view of improving retention of the aerosol source. For example, an aerosol source such as glycerol or propylene glycol is a liquid at normal temperature, and when it is contained in a large amount in a nonwoven fabric or the like, there is a possibility of the aerosol source flowing out from the nonwoven fabric. However, by further incorporating a thickener into the nonwoven fabric or the like, it is possible to suppress an outflow of the aerosol source to the outside, which improves handling properties. Thickeners which may be cited include: polysaccharide thickeners such as gellan gum, tamarind gum, agar, carrageenan, pectin, and alginic acid salts, proteins such as collagen and gelatin, modified celluloses such as HPC, CMC and HPMC, shellac, paraffin wax, beeswax, starch, processed starch, and oils and fats, etc. One type of thickener may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination. When the aerosol source-containing segment contains a thickener, the content of the thickener also depends on the type of thickener which is used, but is preferably 0.1-5.0 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the aerosol source.
There is no particular limitation as to the axial length of the aerosol source-containing segment, but it may be 5-15 mm, for example. Furthermore, there is no particular limitation as to the circumferential length of the aerosol source-containing segment, but it may be 15-24 mm, for example.

(Tobacco component-containing segment)

The tobacco component-containing segment according to this embodiment comprises a tobacco component. The tobacco component-containing segment according to this embodiment may comprise a tobacco material containing the tobacco component, and preferably comprises, for example, a tobacco material such as tobacco granules, tobacco powder, shredded tobacco, tobacco sheet, and tobacco extract.
Whole tobacco or parts of tobacco may be used as a tobacco starting material, which is the starting material of the tobacco material, and parts of tobacco that may be cited include leaves, veins, stems, roots, flowers, and mixtures thereof. There is no particular restriction on the variety of tobacco starting material, but yellow, Burley, Oriental or native type, etc. may be cited. One type of tobacco may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination. The tobacco starting material which is used may be in the state of raw leaves immediately after harvesting which have not been dried, etc., or may be a material which has been dried and aged after harvesting, or a combination thereof may be used. Furthermore, midrib tobacco or expanded tobacco, etc. obtained by treating the above tobacco starting materials may also be used. These tobaccos may be used alone, or multiple varieties and parts may be used in combination. In addition, a tobacco extract obtained by extracting the tobacco starting material using a protic solvent or an aprotic solvent, etc. may also be suitably used as a desired flavor source serving as the tobacco starting material.

Tobacco granules may be obtained by molding a composition comprising aged tobacco leaf or tobacco extract into a granular form, for example. There is no particular limitation as to the method of molding the tobacco granules, but they may be obtained, for example, by mixing tobacco powder and a binder, etc., kneading the mixture with the addition of water, granulating the resulting kneaded material (forming the resulting kneaded material into long columnar shapes) in a wet extrusion granulator, and then sizing the granulated material into short columnar shapes or spherical shapes.
During the extrusion granulation, the kneaded material is preferably extruded at ambient temperature and a pressure of 2 kN or greater. By means of this high-pressure extrusion, the temperature of the kneaded material at the extrusion granulator outlet is momentarily and sharply raised from ambient temperature to 90-100°C, for example, and 2-4 mass% of moisture and volatile components are evaporated. The amount of water which is blended in order to prepare the kneaded material may therefore be increased by the amount of evaporation from the desired amount of moisture in the tobacco granules. The tobacco granules obtained by means of extrusion granulation may further be dried, as required, in order to adjust the moisture.
The average particle size (D50) of the molded tobacco granules may be 0.2 mm-1.2 mm, preferably 0.2 mm-1.0 mm, and more preferably 0.2 mm-0.8 mm.

A powdery tobacco starting material may be used as the tobacco powder. The tobacco powder may be prepared by any method, but, preferably, the tobacco starting material undergoes a normal drying treatment, is then coarsely ground in a normal coarse grinder, and then finely ground. The drying treatment and the coarse grinding may be carried out in a well-known manner, and the mean particle size of the coarsely ground tobacco powder is preferably in a range of between several hundred µm and several mm. There is also no limitation as to the method of fine grinding, and either a wet grinding or dry grinding method may be used. Wet grinding may be carried out by adding a liquid dispersion medium to the coarsely ground tobacco powder and mixing the materials, and then treating the mixture in a wet fine grinder (e.g., an MIC-2, manufactured by Nara Machinery). Preferably, the rotation speed of the grinder is normally set at 1100-1300 rpm, with a grinding time of around 5-100 minutes. Furthermore, dry grinding may be carried out by treating the coarsely ground tobacco powder in a dry fine grinder such as a jet mill.
The average particle size of the tobacco powder may be approximately 30 µm. The average particle size of the tobacco powder may be adjusted by the grinding conditions, and the average particle size may be increased by shortening the fine grinding time or reducing the viscosity of the dispersion medium, etc., for example. It should be noted that the average particle size of the tobacco powder in this embodiment is obtained by means of a laser diffraction scattering method. Specifically, the average particle size is measured using a laser diffraction-type particle size distribution measurement apparatus (e.g., a Shimadzu nanoparticle size distribution measurement apparatus SALD-2100 (trade name)) with a refractive index of 1.60-0.101.

Shredded tobacco may be, for example, aged tobacco leaf, etc., which has been shredded to a predetermined size. There is no particular limitation as to the aged tobacco leaf used in the shredded tobacco, but aged tobacco leaf which has been destemmed and separated into lamina and midrib may be cited. Furthermore, a material obtained by shredding a tobacco sheet (to be described later) to a predetermined size (also referred to below as "shredded tobacco sheet") may also be cited as shredded tobacco. In addition to the above, a blend of shredded tobacco obtained by shredding aged tobacco leaf and shredded tobacco sheet may be cited as shredded tobacco.
There are no particular restrictions on the size or method of preparation of the shredded tobacco. A material obtained by shredding aged tobacco leaf to a width of 0.5 mm-2.0 mm and a length of 3 mm-10 mm may be cited as an example. A material obtained by shredding processed tobacco leaf to a width of 0.5 mm-2.0 mm and a length greater than the abovementioned shredded tobacco, preferably a length comparable with a filled material may be cited as another example (which may also be referred to below as "strand-type shreds"). Strand-type shreds preferably employ tobacco sheet from the point of view of ease of molding.

A tobacco sheet may be obtained by molding a composition comprising aged tobacco leaf or tobacco extract, etc. into a sheet form, for example. There is no particular limitation as to the aged tobacco leaf used in the tobacco sheet, but aged tobacco leaf which has been destemmed and separated into lamina and midrib may be cited, for example. A "sheet" as referred to in the present specification means a shape having a pair of substantially parallel main faces and a side face.
The tobacco sheet may be molded by well-known methods such as sheet-forming, casting, or rolling. Details on various types of tobacco sheets molded by such methods are disclosed in "Dictionary of Tobacco, Tobacco Academic Studies Center, March 31, 2009".
Examples of methods for molding a tobacco sheet by means of a sheet-forming method that may be cited include methods comprising the following steps.

(1) A step in which aged tobacco leaf is coarsely ground then mixed/agitated with a solvent such as water to thereby extract an aqueous component from the aged tobacco leaf.
(2) A step in which the water extract comprising the aqueous component is separated from a residue.
(3) A step in which the water extract is dried under reduced pressure and concentrated.
(4) A step in which pulp is added to the residue, and the materials are fibrillated in a refiner to obtain a mixture (homogenization step).
(5) A step in which the fibrillated mixture of residue and pulp is formed into paper.
(6) A step in which the concentrated water extract is added to a sheet formed from the paper and dried to form a tobacco sheet.

Examples of methods for molding a tobacco sheet by means of a casting method that may be cited include methods comprising the following steps.

(1) A step in which ground aged tobacco is mixed with water, pulp and a binder to obtain a mixture (homogenization step).
(2) A step in which the mixture is thinly spread (cast) and dried to form a tobacco sheet.

Examples of methods for molding a tobacco sheet by means of a rolling method that may be cited include methods comprising the following steps.

(1) A step in which ground aged tobacco is mixed with water, pulp and a binder to obtain a mixture (homogenization step).
(2) A step in which the mixture is introduced and rolled between multiple rolling rollers.
(3) A step in which the roll molded article is released from the rolling rollers using a doctor blade and is transported on a net conveyor and dried in a dryer.

As shown in fig. 1(a), the tobacco component-containing segment 5 may comprise, for example: a cylindrical wrapper 12, and a tobacco material 11 which fills the inside of the wrapper 12. The packing density of the tobacco material inside the wrapper may be appropriately set according to the form of the tobacco material filling, the intended flavor, and airflow resistance, etc. For example, a packing density which may be cited is 0.2 mg/mm³-0.7 mg/mm³. The packing density is calculated by the ratio of the mass of tobacco material to the internal volume of a rod formed by the wrapper.
There is no particular limitation as to the axial length of the tobacco component-containing segment, but it may be 5-15 mm, for example. Furthermore, there is no particular limitation as to the circumferential length of the tobacco component-containing segment, but it may be 15-24 mm, for example.

(Cooling segment)

As shown in fig. 1(a), the cooling segment 6 may be a cylindrical member 13 formed by a first cylindrical member having a perforation. The cylindrical member 13 may be a paper tube obtained by processing cardboard into a cylindrical shape, for example.
The cooling segment is positioned downstream from the aerosol-generating rod. The required function of the cooling segment is to cool and liquefy (form an aerosol from) the tobacco component and aerosol source vapor, while minimizing a reduction, due to filtration and adsorption, in the tobacco component and aerosol source vapor generated by the aerosol-generating rod during use. For example, a difference between a segment internal temperature at the cooling segment inlet and a segment internal temperature at the cooling segment outlet portion during drawing may also be 20°C or greater. It should be noted that, although the temperature difference between the segment inlet and the segment outlet may be 20°C or greater when the tobacco component and aerosol source high-temperature vapor component pass through a cellulose acetate fiber-filled segment which is used as a filter member in a conventional burn-type flavor inhaler, the tobacco component and aerosol source vapor are reduced by a large amount by filtration and adsorption during passage through the fiber-filled segment.
According to one mode, the cooling segment may be a hollow tube obtained by processing one sheet of paper or multiple bonded sheets of paper into a cylindrical shape. The material constituting the tube may be, other than paper, a corrugated sheet of cellulose acetate fibers, or may be a plastic film comprising a polyolefin or polyester, etc. Furthermore, a hole for introducing room-temperature external air is preferably present around the tube in order to increase the cooling effect afforded by contact between the external air and the high-temperature vapor. The cooling effect may also be increased by utilizing heat absorption by a coating or heat of solution associated with a change of phase, by coating an inside surface of the tube with a polymer coating such as polyvinyl alcohol or a polysaccharide coating such as pectin. The airflow resistance of the cylindrical cooling segment is 0 mmH₂O.
According to another mode of the cooling segment, the inside of a tube processed into a cylindrical shape is preferably also filled with a cooling sheet member. In this case, one or more air circulation channels are provided in a flow direction, making it possible to achieve low-level removal of components during passage through the segment, while also providing cooling by means of the cooling sheet. The airflow resistance of the cooling segment when it is filled with this cooling sheet is preferably 0-30 mmH₂O. The airflow resistance (RTD) is the pressure required to push air through the entire length of an object in a test with a flow rate of 17.5 mL/sec at 22°C and 101 kPa (760 Torr). RTD is generally expressed in units of mmH₂O and is measured in accordance with ISO 6565:2011. A hole for introduction of external air is also preferably formed in the tube member in the mode employing the cooling sheet as a filling.
The total surface area of the cooling sheet member may be 300 mm²/mm-1000 mm²/mm. This surface area is the surface area per length (mm) of the cooling sheet member in the air flow direction. The total surface area of the cooling sheet member is preferably 400 mm²/mm or greater and more preferably 450 mm²/mm or greater, while preferably being 600 mm²/mm or less, and more preferably 550 mm²/mm or less.
The cooling sheet member preferably has a large surface area from the perspective of the cooling function. From the perspective of reducing removal of the tobacco component and aerosol source by filtration and adsorption, the cooling segment filled with the cooling sheet member preferably has a lower airflow resistance. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling sheet may be formed by a sheet which is a thin material that is creased and then fluted, gathered and folded in order to form channels in the flow direction.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the material constituting the cooling sheet member may be 5 µm-500 µm, and may be 10 µm-250 µm, for example.
The material of the cooling sheet member may be a sheet member such as a metal foil, polymer sheet, and paper having low air permeability. In one embodiment, the cooling segment may comprise a sheet material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate and aluminum foil.
Furthermore, it is also desirable to use paper as the material of the cooling sheet member from the perspective of reducing the environmental burden. The paper used in the cooling sheet member preferably has a basis weight of 30-100 g/m² and a thickness of 20-100 µm. From the perspective of reducing removal of the tobacco component and aerosol source component in the cooling segment, the paper serving as the cooling sheet material preferably has low air permeability, and an air permeability of 10 CORESTA units or less is preferred. The cooling effect may also be increased by utilizing heat absorption by a coating or heat of solution associated with a change of phase, by coating the paper serving as the cooling sheet member with a polymer coating such as polyvinyl alcohol or a polysaccharide coating such as pectin.
In fig. 1(a), a perforation 14 is provided penetrating both the cylindrical member 13 and a mouthpiece lining paper 20 which will be described later. The presence of the perforation 14 allows external air to be introduced into the cooling segment 6 during drawing. As a result, the aerosol vaporized component generated by heating of the aerosol-generating rod 2 is liquefied because it comes into contact with the external air so that the temperature thereof decreases, and an aerosol is formed. There is no particular limitation as to the diameter of (length across) the perforation 14, but it may be 0.5 mm-1.5 mm, for example. There is no particular limitation as to the number of perforations 14, and there may be one or two or more. Multiple perforations 14 may be provided on the circumference of the cooling segment 6, for example.
The amount of external air introduced from the perforation 14 is preferably 85 vol% or less and more preferably 80 vol% or less, with respect to the overall volume of gas drawn in by the user. A ratio of the amount of external air of 85 vol% or less makes it possible to sufficiently suppress a reduction in flavor caused by dilution with the external air. It should be noted that this may also be referred to as the ventilation ratio. A lower limit of the ventilation ratio range is preferably 55 vol% or greater, and more preferably 60 vol% or greater, from the perspective of cooling properties.
In some embodiments, the temperature of the aerosol generated may decrease by 10°C or more when the aerosol passes through the cooling segment to be inhaled by the user. In another mode, the temperature may decrease by 15°C or more, and in yet another mode, the temperature may decrease by 20°C or more.
The cooling segment may be formed into a rod shape with an axial length of 7 mm-30 mm, for example. The axial length of the cooling segment may be set at 20 mm, for example.
In some embodiments, the cooling segment has a substantially circular shape in an axial cross section thereof, and a circumferential length thereof is preferably 16-25 mm, more preferably 20-24 mm, and even more preferably 21-23 mm.

(Center hole segment)

The center hole segment may be formed by a second cylindrical member. For example, the centre hole segment may be formed by a filling layer having one or more hollow portions, and an inner plug wrapper (inside wrapping paper) covering the filling layer. Specifically, as shown in fig. 1(a), the center hole segment 7 may be formed by a second filling layer 15 having a hollow portion, and a second inner plug wrapper 16 covering the second filling layer 15. The center hole segment 7 has the function of increasing the strength of the mouthpiece segment 3. The second filling layer 15 may be formed, for example, as a rod having an inner diameter of φ1.0 mm-φ5.0 mm packed with a high density of cellulose acetate fibers, a plasticizer comprising triacetin being added thereto in an amount of 6 mass%-20 mass%, in relation to the mass of cellulose acetate, and the plasticizer being cured. The second filling layer 15 has a high packing density of fibers, so the air and aerosol flow only through the hollow portion during drawing, with virtually none flowing through the second filling layer 15. The second filling layer 15 inside the center hole segment 7 is a fiber filled layer, and the user will therefore have little sense of incongruity when touching the outside during use. Moreover, the shape of the center hole segment 7 may also be retained by means of thermoforming, without the second inner plug wrapper 16 being provided.

(Filter segment)

There is no particular limitation as to the configuration of the filter segment, but it may be formed from a single filling layer or multiple filling layers. As shown in fig. 1(a), for example, the outside of a first filling layer 17 may be wrapped with a first inner plug wrapper 18 (inside wrapping paper) in the filter segment 8. The airflow resistance per segment of the filter segment may be suitably altered by the amount and material, etc. of the filling material filling the filter segment. For example, when the filling material is cellulose acetate fibers, the airflow resistance may be increased by increasing the amount of cellulose acetate fibers filling the filter segment. When the filling material is cellulose acetate fibers, the packing density of cellulose acetate fibers may be 0.13-0.18 g/cm³. Furthermore, thicker cellulose acetate fibers are preferred as a filling in order to demonstrate lower airflow resistance for the same packing density. The thickness of one cellulose acetate fiber is preferably 5-20 denier/filament. A thickness of 7-13 denier/filament is even more preferable from the perspective of high-speed production of the filter segment. It should be noted that the airflow resistance is a value as measured by means of an airflow resistance measurement gauge (trade name: SODIMAX, produced by SODIM).
There is no particular limitation as to the circumferential length of the filter segment, but it is preferably 16-25 mm, more preferably 20-24 mm, and even more preferably 21-23 mm. An axial length of 5-20 mm may be selected for the filter segment, and the axial length may be selected so that the airflow resistance is 10-60 mmH ₂O/seg. The axial length of the filter segment is preferably 5-9 mm, and more preferably 6-8 mm. There is no particular limitation as to the cross-sectional shape of the filter segment, but it may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal, etc., for example.
As shown in fig. 1(a), the center hole segment 7 and the filter segment 8 may be connected by an outer plug wrapper (outside wrapping paper) 19. The outer plug wrapper 19 may be cylindrical paper, for example. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating rod 2, the cooling segment 6, and the connected center hole segment 7 and filter segment 8 may be connected by means of the mouthpiece lining paper 20. These connections may be formed, for example, by coating an inside surface of the mouthpiece lining paper 20 with a glue such as a vinyl acetate-based glue, and inserting the abovementioned three segments which are then wrapped with the mouthpiece lining paper 20. It should be noted that these segments may also be connected by multiple separate connections with multiple lining papers. Furthermore, as shown in fig. 1(b), the aerosol source-containing segment 4 may also be fixed by means of the mouthpiece lining paper 20. Furthermore, as shown in fig. 1(c), the aerosol source-containing segment 4 and the tobacco component-containing segment 5 may be connected by means of an outer wrapper 34, then the aerosol-generating rod 2, the cooling segment 6, and the connected center hole segment 7 and filter segment 8 may be connected by means of the mouthpiece lining paper 20.

(Configuration of heat-not-burn flavor inhaler)

There is no particular limitation as to the axial length of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler according to this embodiment, but it is preferably 40 mm-90 mm, more preferably 50 mm-75 mm, and even more preferably 50 mm-60 mm. The circumferential length of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler is preferably 16 mm-25 mm, more preferably 20 mm-24 mm, and even more preferably 21 mm-23 mm. In an exemplary mode which may be cited, the length of the aerosol-generating rod is 20 mm, the length of the cooling segment is 20 mm, the length of the center hole segment is 8 mm, and the length of the filter segment is 7 mm. The lengths of these individual segments can be modified, as appropriate, depending on manufacturability and required quality, etc. In addition, the function of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler can still be achieved with only the filter segment arranged on the downstream side of the cooling segment, and without the center hole segment being used.
The content of the aerosol source contained in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler according to this embodiment is preferably 10-5000 mg. By making this content 10 mg or greater, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the amount of aerosol during use, along with the time of use. Furthermore, by making this content 5000 mg or less, it is possible to suppress retention in the flavor inhaler of aerosol source that has not formed an aerosol. This content is more preferably 10-200 mg, and even more preferably 20-120 mg.

(Flavoring component)

The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler according to this embodiment may comprise a flavoring component from the perspective of imparting a good flavor. There is no particular limitation as to the type of flavoring component, and flavoring materials, gustatory materials, and cooling agents, etc. may be cited as examples thereof. The nature of the flavoring component is not an issue, and solids and liquids may be cited, for example. Furthermore, a single component may be used, or multiple components may be combined.
Flavoring materials selected from among: tobacco extract and tobacco component, sugary and sugar-based flavors, licorice (glycyrrhiza), cocoa, chocolate, fruit juice and fruits, spices, liquors, herbs, vanilla, and flower-based flavors, etc., either alone or in combination, may be cited as examples of suitable flavors of flavoring materials.
The flavoring materials may employ a wide range of types of flavoring components, such as disclosed, for example, in "Published Collection of Well-Known Prior Arts (Flavor and Fragrance)" (March 14, 2007, published by the JPO), "Saishin Koryo no Jiten [Encyclopedia of Scents - Latest Edition] (popular edition)" (February 25, 2012, edited by Soichi ARAI, Akio KOBAYASHI, Izumi YAJIMA, Michiaki KAWASAKI, Asakura Publishing Co., Ltd.), and "Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products" (June 1972, R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY). Moreover, the flavoring component in this embodiment may be a flavoring component other than a tobacco component.
Flavoring materials selected from among: isothiocyanates, indole and derivatives thereof, ethers, esters, ketones, fatty acids, aliphatic higher alcohols, aliphatic higher aldehydes, aliphatic higher hydrocarbons, thioethers, thiols, terpene hydrocarbons, phenol ethers, phenols, furfural and derivatives thereof, aromatic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, and lactones, either alone or in combination, may be cited as examples of the flavoring materials. The flavoring material may also be an ingredient producing a cooling/warming sensation.
Flavoring materials which may be cited more specifically include: acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peru Balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronellol, clary sage extract, coffee, cognac oil, coriander oil, cuminaldehyde, davana oil, δ-decalactone, γ-decalactone, decanoic acid, dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, genet absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, γ-heptalactone, γ-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, hexyl phenylacetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, 4-hydroxyundecanoic acid sodium salt, immortelle absolute, β-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, kola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, glycyrrhiza extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, lovage root oil, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, paramethoxybenzaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, molasses, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, γ-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, δ-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, ω-pentadecalactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain Paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenyl guaethol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidene phthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, α-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)-2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratraldehyde, violet leaf absolute, citral, mandarin oil, 4-(acetoxymethyl)toluene, 2-methyl-1-butanol, ethyl 10-undecenoate, isoamyl hexanoate, 1-phenylethyl acetate, lauric acid, 8-mercaptomenthone, sinensal, hexyl butyrate, plant powder (herb powder, flower powder, spice powder, tea powder, cocoa powder, carob powder, coriander powder, licorice powder, orange peel powder, rose pip powder, chamomile flower powder, lemon verbena powder, peppermint powder, leaf powder, spearmint powder, black tea powder, etc.), camphor, isopulegol, cineole, mentha oil, eucalyptus oil, 2-1-menthoxy ethanol (COOLACT (registered trademark) 5), 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol (COOLACT (registered trademark) 10), 1-menthyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (COOLACT (registered trademark) 20), p-menthane-3,8-diol (COOLACT (registered trademark) 38D), N-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1-carboxamide (COOLACT (registered trademark) 370), N-(4-(cyanomethyl)phenyl)-2-isopropyl-5, 5-dimethylcyclohexanecarboxamide (COOLACT (registered trademark) 400), N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexanecarboxamide, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboamide (WS-3), ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide)acetate (WS-5), N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthane carboxamide (WS-12), 2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide (WS-23), 3-1-menthoxy-2-methylpropan-1,2-diol, 2-1-menthoxyethan-1-ol, 3-1-menthoxypropan-1-ol, 4-1-menthoxybutan-1-ol, menthyl lactate (FEMA 3748), menthone glycerin acetal (Frescolat MGA, FEMA 3807, FEMA 3808), 2-(2-1-menthyloxyethyl)ethanol, menthyl glyoxylate, menthyl 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate, menthyl succinate (FEMA 3810), N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)-ethyl)-3-p-menthane carboxamide (FEMA 4549), N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, N-(4-cyanomethylphenyl)-p-menthane carboxamide, and N-(4-aminocarbonylphenyl)-p-menthane, etc.
Ingredients exhibiting sweetness, sourness, saltiness, an umami taste, bitterness, acerbity, body, spiciness, harshness, astringency, etc. may be cited as examples of gustatory materials. Saccharides, sugar alcohols, and sweeteners, etc. may be cited as examples of ingredients exhibiting sweetness. Monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, etc. may be cited as examples of saccharides. Natural sweeteners and synthetic sweeteners, etc. may be cited as examples of sweeteners. Organic acids (and sodium salts thereof), etc. may be cited as examples of ingredients exhibiting sourness. Acetic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid, etc. may be cited as examples of organic acids. Caffeine (extract), naringin, and wormwood extract, etc. may be cited as examples of ingredients exhibiting bitterness. Sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium acetate, and potassium acetate, etc. may be cited as examples of ingredients exhibiting saltiness. Sodium glutamate, sodium inosinate, and sodium guanylate, etc. may be cited as examples of ingredients exhibiting an umami taste. Tannin and shibuol, etc. may be cited as examples of ingredients exhibiting acerbity.
The flavoring component may be contained in any segment of the flavor inhaler, and may also be contained in multiple segments. For example, the flavoring component may be contained in the aerosol source-containing segment, may be contained in the tobacco component-containing segment, may be contained in the cooling segment, may be contained in the center hole segment, may be contained in the filter segment, or may be contained in two or more of these segments. However, the flavoring component being contained in a segment other than the aerosol source-containing segment is preferable so that the flavoring component can be better held and sustained, without the flavoring component being heated more than necessary. For example, the flavoring component may be contained in at least one segment from among the tobacco component-containing segment, the cooling segment, the center hole segment, and the filter segment. Moreover, the flavoring component may be contained separately in each segment, or may be contained integrated into the flavor inhaler as a whole. When the flavoring component is contained separately in each segment, the flavoring component may be contained in each segment as a flavoring component-containing sheet or as a flavoring support such as flavoring component-supporting granules or flavoring component-supporting activated carbon. Furthermore, when the flavoring component is contained integrated into the flavor inhaler as a whole, the flavoring component may be added by means of spraying, coating of the wrapper, or filter processing, etc.
When the flavoring component is contained in the tobacco-containing segment, the tobacco-containing segment preferably comprises: a flavoring component-containing sheet comprising a polysaccharide thickener and a bulking material; and the tobacco material. More of the flavoring material can be loaded in the flavor inhaler by incorporating the flavoring component into the tobacco-containing segment as a flavoring component-containing sheet, as compared to when a liquid flavoring material is added to the tobacco material. In particular, the tobacco-containing segment preferably comprises the flavoring component-containing sheet and the tobacco granules. A mass ratio of the flavoring component-containing sheet and the tobacco granules contained in the tobacco-containing segment (flavoring component-containing sheet : tobacco granules) may be selected as any ratio according to the strength of flavoring.

(Flavoring component-containing sheet)

The flavoring component-containing sheet may comprise the flavoring component, a polysaccharide thickener and a bulking material, and may further comprise an emulsifier. The flavoring component-containing sheet may be produced, for example, by kneading, in water, a starting material comprising the polysaccharide thickener, the flavoring component, the emulsifier, and the bulking material, in order to prepare a starting material slurry, which is then spread on a substrate and dried. It should be noted that the flavoring component-containing sheet may be free from a tobacco component.

The polysaccharide thickener contained in the flavoring component-containing sheet has properties of fixing and covering the flavoring component dispersed in the sheet. The polysaccharide thickener may be, for example, a single-component system comprising carrageenan, agar, xanthan gum, gellan gum, psyllium seed gum, or konjac glucomannan; or may be a composite system comprising a combination of two or more components selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, locust bean gum, guar gum, agar, gellan gum, tamarind gum, xanthan gum, tara gum, konjac glucomannan, starch, cassia gum, and psyllium seed gum.
The polysaccharide thickener is preferably selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, agar, xanthan gum, gellan gum, and a mixture of gellan gum and tamarind gum. An aqueous solution of carrageenan, agar, xanthan gum or gellan gum has properties of forming a gel on being cooled to or below a specific temperature (i.e., the aqueous solution loses fluidity and solidifies), and, once it has formed a gel, it can then maintain the gelled state without readily forming a sol even if the temperature thereof is subsequently raised to the gel transition temperature (these properties are referred to below as "temperature-responsive sol-gel transition characteristics"). This therefore has the advantage that, when the starting material slurry contains any of carrageenan, agar, xanthan gum and gellan gum as a polysaccharide thickener, it is possible to produce a sheet in a short time by briefly cooling the starting material slurry to cause gel formation, and drying the gelled starting material at a high temperature.
The polysaccharide thickener is more preferably selected from the group consisting of agar, gellan gum, and a mixture of gellan gum and tamarind gum. When a mixture of gellan gum and tamarind gum is used as the polysaccharide thickener, a mass ratio of gellan gum and tamarind gum is preferably in the range of 1:1-3:1.
The amount of polysaccharide thickener blended in the starting material slurry is preferably 10-35 mass% and more preferably 12-25 mass%, with respect to the total mass of constituent components other than water (i.e., the mass of dry matter) in the starting material slurry. The amount (mass%) of polysaccharide thickener which is blended may be calculated by using values of the amounts of the respective constituent components other than water which are blended in the starting material slurry.

The flavoring components mentioned above may be used as the flavoring component contained in the flavoring component-containing sheet. The flavoring component may be used in the form of a solid, or it may be used in the form of a solution or dispersion in a suitable solvent, such as propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, or triethyl citrate, for example. A flavoring component which readily forms a dispersed state in a solvent with the addition of an emulsifier, e.g., a hydrophobic flavoring material or an oil-soluble flavoring material, etc., may preferably be used. It should be noted that when the flavoring component is a solid, the shape of the powder, granules or sheet, etc. is not limited.
The amount of flavoring component contained in the sheet is preferably less than 18 mass% with respect to the total mass of the flavoring component-containing sheet. The amount of flavoring component contained in the sheet is more preferably 2.5 mass% or greater and less than 18 mass%, even more preferably 2.5-12 mass%, and most preferably 3-6 mass% with respect to the total mass of the flavoring component-containing sheet.

Any emulsifier may be used as the emulsifier contained in the flavoring component-containing sheet. Lecithin, and specifically Sunlecithin A-1 (trade name, manufactured by Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.) may be used as the emulsifier, for example. The amount of emulsifier contained in the sheet is preferably 0.5-5 mass%, and more preferably 1.0-4.5 mass%, with respect to the mass of polysaccharide thickener in the sheet. The amount of emulsifier contained in the sheet may be calculated by using values of the amounts of emulsifier and polysaccharide thickener which are blended in the starting material slurry.

The bulking material contained in the flavoring component-containing sheet has the role of increasing the total mass of constituent components other than water (i.e., the mass of dry matter) in the starting material slurry, and ultimately increasing the bulk of the flavoring component-containing sheet. That is to say, the bulking material is a substance which only has the role of increasing the bulk of the flavoring component-containing sheet, and does not affect the inherent function of the flavoring component-containing sheet. Specifically, the bulking material is a substance which only has the role of increasing the bulk of the flavoring component-containing sheet, and satisfies requirements (i) and (ii) below:

(i) substantially does not increase the viscosity of the starting material slurry, and
(ii) does not affect the flavoring material retention function of the flavoring component-containing sheet.

For example, a substance which increases the viscosity of the starting material slurry, such as starch, is not contained in the bulking material. Here, "substantially does not increase the viscosity of the starting material slurry" means that the substance does not cause an increase in the viscosity of the slurry to an extent that would make it difficult to produce a sheet (i.e., to an extent that would make it difficult to knead and emulsify the starting material slurry). Furthermore, "does not affect the flavoring material retention function of the flavoring component-containing sheet" means that the substance does not cause a reduction in the flavoring material retention function of the sheet to an extent that the inherent function of the flavoring component-containing sheet (i.e., the function as a flavoring component in the flavor inhaler) would not be demonstrated. It should be noted that the bulking material is a substance for which addition to the flavor inhaler as an additive is permitted in this technical field.
Furthermore, a substance that does not affect the flavor of the flavor inhaler is preferred as the bulking material. Furthermore, a substance that does not affect the step of producing a sheet is preferred as the bulking material, e.g., a substance that does not act so as to produce marked contraction of the sheet in a drying step is preferred.
The bulking material is preferably a starch hydrolysate. A starch hydrolysate means a substance obtained by means of a process comprising a step of hydrolyzing a starch. The starch hydrolysate is, for example, a substance obtained by directly hydrolyzing a starch (i.e., dextrin), or a substance obtained by hydrolyzing a starch after a heat treatment (i.e., indigestible dextrin).
The starch hydrolysate may be prepared by means of a process comprising a hydrolysis step using a starch as a starting material, or a commercially available starch hydrolysate may be used. When a starch hydrolysate is prepared, a starch of natural origin may be used as the "starch" serving as the starting material. A starch of plant origin, e.g., corn starch, wheat starch, potato starch, or sweet potato starch, etc. may generally be used. Furthermore, a starch hydrolysate having the desired DE value may be obtained by controlling the hydrolysis conditions.
The starch hydrolysate is generally a starch hydrolysate having a DE value included in the range of 2-40, and is preferably a starch hydrolysate having a DE value included in the range of 2-20. Examples of starch hydrolysates having a DE value included in the range of 2-20 which may be used include: Pinedex #100 (trade name, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), Pinefiber (trade name, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), and TK-16 (trade name, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).
DE, which is an abbreviation of "dextrose equivalent", is a value indicating the extent of hydrolysis of a starch, that is, the saccharification rate of the starch. The DE value in this embodiment is a value measured by means of the Willstatter-Schudel method. The DE value is measured as a specific numerical value by means of the Willstatter-Schudel method. The characteristics of the hydrolyzed starch (starch hydrolysate), e.g., characteristics such as the molecular weight of the starch hydrolysate and the arrangement of sugar molecules constituting the starch hydrolysate, are not consistent for every molecule of the starch hydrolysate, and there are certain distributions or variations in these characteristics. Starch hydrolysates demonstrate different physical characteristics (e.g., DE value) in each molecule thereof due to distributions or variations in characteristics of the starch hydrolysate, or differences in cut sections. Starch hydrolysates are thus a collection of molecules exhibiting different physical characteristics, but measurement results from the Willstatter-Schudel method (i.e., DE values) are treated as representative values indicating the degree of hydrolysis of the starch.
More preferably, the starch hydrolysate is selected from the group consisting of dextrin having a DE value of 2-5, indigestible dextrin having a DE value of 10-15, and mixtures thereof. Examples of dextrin having a DE value of 2-5 which may be used include Pinedex # 100 (trade name, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.). Examples of indigestible dextrin having a DE value of 10-15 which may be used include Pinefiber (trade name, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).
The bulking material may be added in an amount so as to be able to demonstrate the function of a bulking material, namely increasing the bulk of the sheet, and so as not to affect the flavor of the flavor inhaler. The amount of bulking material contained in the sheet is preferably 100-500 mass%, and more preferably 200-500 mass%, with respect to the mass of polysaccharide thickener. The amount of bulking material contained in the sheet may be calculated by using values of the amounts of bulking material and polysaccharide thickener which are blended in the starting material slurry.
By adding the bulking material to the starting material of the flavoring component-containing sheet, it is possible to stably produce the flavoring component-containing sheet under practical production conditions, even if the flavoring component-containing sheet has a composition with a low blending concentration of the flavoring component. Specifically, the bulking material has the role of increasing the mass of dry matter in the starting material slurry and increasing the bulk of the sheet, so it is possible to shorten the drying time required until a sheet of the desired thickness is produced. Furthermore, the bulking material substantially does not increase the viscosity of the starting material slurry, so there are no impediments to the operations of kneading and spreading the starting material slurry.

(Other components)

The flavoring component-containing sheet may furthermore comprise water. That is to say, the water contained in the starting material slurry may remain in the flavoring component-containing sheet after drying. The moisture content when water remains in the flavoring component-containing sheet is preferably less than 10 mass%, more preferably 3-9 mass%, and even more preferably 3-6 mass%, with respect to the total mass of the sheet. The moisture content of the sheet may be determined by using GC-TCD.
The flavoring component-containing sheet may furthermore comprise a humectant. Examples of humectants which may be used include hyaluronic acid and magnesium chloride, etc. The flavoring component-containing sheet may furthermore comprise a colorant. Examples of colorants which may be used include cocoa, caramel, food dyes such as Blue No. 2, polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, and melanoidin, etc. The flavoring component-containing sheet may have a thickness of 0.05-0.15 mm, for example, and may preferably have a thickness of 0.06-0.10 mm.

EXAMPLES

Specific examples of this embodiment will be described below, but the present invention is not limited by these examples.

EXAMPLE 1

An aqueous solution was prepared, comprising, in a mass ratio of 9:7:4: glycerol, hydroxypropyl cellulose (trade name: CELNY, manufactured by Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.), and plant fibers (trade name: Herbacel AQ Plus CF-D/100, manufactured by Sumitomo Pharma & Chemical Co., Ltd.). The aqueous solution was coated and dried on a nonwoven fabric (trade name: Taiko TCF, manufactured by Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd.), and an aerosol source support comprising approximately 30 mass% of glycerol per areal weight was obtained. The aerosol source-containing segment 4 of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 shown in fig. 1(a) was filled with 300 mg of this aerosol source support, as the aerosol source support 9. Furthermore, the tobacco component-containing segment 5 of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 shown in fig. 1(a) was filled with 50 mg of alkali-pretreated tobacco granules, as the tobacco material 11. The content of the aerosol source (glycerol) contained in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler was approximately 90 mg.
The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler was inserted into the heating device 27 shown in fig. 2 and only the aerosol source-containing segment 4 was heated at 295°C. After this, the amount of each component contained in the smoke drawn in was measured by drawing from the mouthpiece portion. Using a smoking machine (trade name: SM450RH, manufactured by CERULEAN), the drawing was carried out once every 30 seconds, for 2 seconds at 55 mL per one time, for a total of 11 times. The amounts of TSNA (tobacco-specific nitrosamines), Carb (carbonyls), and VOC (volatile organic compounds) contained in the mainstream smoke obtained by drawing were measured by the respective methods below. The results are shown in Table 1.

(1) TSNA

The mainstream smoke was trapped using a Cambridge filter (manufactured by Borgwaldt: 400 Filter 44 mm) and extracted with an ammonium acetate aqueous solution, then the amounts of TSNA were analyzed by means of LC-MS/MS (Sciex: TQ7500). NNN (N'-nitrosonornicotine), NAT (N'-nitrosoanatabine), NAB (N'-nitrosoanabasine), and NNK (4-(methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone) were analyzed as TSNA.

(2) Carb

The mainstream smoke was trapped using an impinger (2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH), phosphoric acid, acetonitrile and water, 22°C), and after treatment with a Trizma base solution, the amounts of Carb were analyzed by means of HPLC (Agilent Technologies: 1290 Infinity II LC system). Acetaldehyde, acetone, propionaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) and n-butylaldehyde were analyzed as Carb.

(3) VOC

The mainstream smoke was trapped using an impinger (methanol, -70°C), after which the amounts of VOC were analyzed by means of GC-MS (Agilent Technologies: 7890A/5975C). 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene and toluene were analyzed as VOC.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1

The aerosol-generating rod 2 of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler 1 shown in fig. 1(a) was merged into one segment comprising both glycerol (aerosol source) and a tobacco component, rather than being split into two segments (aerosol source-containing segment 4 and tobacco component-containing segment 5). Apart from this, a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler was prepared and the amounts of TSNA, Carb and VOC contained in the mainstream smoke were measured in the same way as in Example 1 The results are shown in Table 1.

[Table 1]

		Units	Example 1	Comparative Example 1
TSNA	NNN	ng/cig	14.7	30.0
	NAT	ng/cig	14.1	62.7
	NAB	ng/cig	2.46	8.61
	NNK	ng/cig	7.95	14.8
Carb	Acetaldehyde	µg/cig	55.8	105
	Acetone	µg/cig	9.55	9.68
	Propionaldehyde	µg/cig	2.54	6.18
	Crotonaldehyde	µg/cig	<0.575	<0.575
	MEK	µg/cig	0.848	1.88
	n-Butyraldehyde	µg/cig	1.12	8.34
VOC	1,3-Butadiene	ng/cig	<0.0812	<0.0812
	Isoprene	ng/cig	<0.0837	<0.279
	Acrylonitrile	ng/cig	<0.0327	<0.0327
	Benzene	ng/cig	<0.0592	<0.197
	Toluene	ng/cig	<0.0831	281

It can be seen from Table 1 that there were reductions in the amounts of secondarily-generated components which were formed in Example 1 employing the heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system according to the embodiment, as compared to Comparative Example 1 in which a mixture of glycerol (aerosol source) and tobacco component was directly heated, without the aerosol-generating rod being split into two segments (aerosol source-containing segment and tobacco component-containing segment).
The embodiment includes the following aspects.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: Heat-not-burn flavour inhaler

2: Aerosol-generating rod
3: Mouthpiece segment
4: Aerosol source-containing segment
5: Tobacco component-containing segment
6: Cooling segment
7: Center hole segment
8: Filter segment
9: Aerosol source support
10: Wrapper
11: Tobacco material
12: Wrapper
13: Cylindrical member
14: Perforation
15: Second filling layer
16: Second inner plug wrapper
17: First filling layer
18: First inner plug wrapper
19: Outer plug wrapper
20: Mouthpiece lining paper
27: Heating device
28: Body
29: Heater
30: Metal tube
31: Battery unit
32: Control unit
33: Recess
34: Outer wrapper

Claims

A heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system comprising: a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler that includes an aerosol source-containing segment and a tobacco component-containing segment disposed downstream from the aerosol source-containing segment; and
a heating device comprising a heater which heats the aerosol source-containing segment but does not heat the tobacco component-containing segment.
The heat-not-bum flavor inhalation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aerosol source contained in the aerosol source-containing segment is at least one selected from the group consisting of: glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, triacetin, and 1,3-butanediol.
The heat-not-bum flavor inhalation system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol source-containing segment includes an aerosol source support in which the aerosol source is supported by a carrier.
The heat-not-bum flavor inhalation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content of the aerosol source contained in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler is 10-5000 mg.
The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol source-containing segment does not contain a tobacco component.
The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tobacco component-containing segment includes at least one type of tobacco material selected from the group consisting of tobacco granules, tobacco powder, shredded tobacco, tobacco sheet, and tobacco extract.
The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler further comprises a flavoring component.
The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the flavoring component is contained in a segment other than the aerosol source-containing segment.
The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the flavoring component is contained in the tobacco component-containing segment.
The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tobacco-containing segment comprises a flavoring support and the tobacco material.
The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler further comprises at least one segment selected from the group consisting of: a cooling segment formed by a first cylindrical member having a perforation, a center hole segment formed by a second cylindrical member, and a filter segment.
The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a heating temperature of the aerosol source-containing segment afforded by the heater is 150-400°C.