WO2023112191A1 - Tobacco molded article, atomization unit for inhalation device, inhalation device, method for manufacturing tobacco molded article, and method for manufacturing atomization unit for inhalation device - Google Patents

Abstract

A tobacco molded article (60) comprises a cylindrical body, a through-hole (600) formed in the body, and a nicotine-containing liquid that is held in the through-hole (600) and includes at least one of a natural nicotine and a synthetic nicotine.

Description

TOBACCO MOLDED PRODUCT, ATOMIZING UNIT FOR SUCTION DEVICE, SUCTION DEVICE, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING TOBACCO MOLDED BODY, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ATOMIZATION UNIT FOR SUCTION DEVICE

The present invention relates to a tobacco molded article, an atomizing unit for a suction tool, a suction tool, a method for manufacturing a tobacco molded body, and a method for manufacturing an atomizing unit for a suction tool.

Conventionally, as a non-combustion heating type suction tool, there is a liquid storage part that stores a predetermined liquid, and an electric load that introduces the liquid in the liquid storage part and atomizes the introduced liquid to generate an aerosol. and , wherein powder of tobacco leaves is dispersed in the liquid of the liquid container (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Non-Patent Document 1 are cited as other prior art documents. Patent Literature 2 discloses a basic configuration of a non-combustion heating suction tool. Patent Document 3 discloses information on tobacco leaf extracts. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to nicotine.

International Publication No. 2019/211332 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-141705 WO2015/129679

Florence F. Wagner and Daniel L. Comins, "Tetrahedron report number 807 Recent advances in the synthesis of nicotine and its derivatives", Tetrahedron, ELSEVIER, (2007) 63, p. 8065-8082

In the case of a conventional suction device in which tobacco leaves are dispersed in the liquid in the liquid container, as exemplified in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the tobacco leaves flow together with the liquid and come into contact with an atomizing heater or the like, causing the liquid to mist. There is a problem that the amount of liquid that can be used is reduced due to swelling of tobacco leaves. On the other hand, if the tobacco leaves are hardened to prevent the tobacco leaves from dispersing, it becomes difficult for the liquid to permeate the tobacco leaves, which may hinder the release of flavor components.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and one of the objects thereof is to provide a technology capable of efficiently releasing flavor components from tobacco moldings while hardening tobacco leaves.

(Aspect 1)
To achieve the above object, a tobacco molded article according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a columnar main body, through holes or recesses formed in the main body, and natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine held in the through holes or recesses. and a nicotine-containing liquid containing at least one of nicotine.

According to this aspect, the nicotine component can be efficiently released from the tobacco molded body through the through-holes or recesses while hardening the tobacco leaves. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an inhaler that efficiently generates flavor while suppressing reduction in liquid supplied for atomization.

(Aspect 2)
In Aspect 1 above, the inner diameter of the opening of the through-hole or recess on the surface of the tobacco molded body may be smaller than the depth of the through-hole or recess.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an inhaler in which the release of the nicotine component from the tobacco molded article is adjusted so as not to be too rapid, and the change in flavor over time is suppressed.

(Aspect 3)
In aspect 1 or 2 above, the inner diameter of the opening may be 10 μm or more and 3 mm or less.

According to this aspect, it is possible to more reliably adjust the release of the nicotine component from the tobacco molded product so as not to be too rapid, and to provide an inhaler in which temporal changes in flavor are suppressed.

(Aspect 4)
In aspects 1 to 3 above, the main body may be cylindrical.

According to this aspect, since the surface area is smaller than the volume of the tobacco molded body, the suction device is adjusted so that the nicotine component is not released too quickly from the tobacco molded body, and the change in flavor over time is suppressed. can be provided. In addition, it is easy to mold, and a tobacco molded product can be produced efficiently.

(Aspect 5)
In aspects 1 to 4 above, the opening of the through-hole or the recess may be formed so as to surround a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the main body on the surface on which the opening is formed.

According to this aspect, the release of the nicotine component is adjusted so as not to be too fast compared to the case where the opening is located near the side of the tobacco molded body. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an inhaler in which temporal change in flavor is suppressed.

(Aspect 6)
In order to achieve the above object, an atomizing unit for a suction device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a liquid storage portion for storing an atomizing liquid, and the above-described aspects 1 to 5 stored in the liquid storage portion A cigarette molded article according to any one of the above, and an electrical load into which the atomizing liquid is introduced into the liquid containing portion and atomizes the introduced atomizing liquid to generate an aerosol.

According to this aspect, the nicotine component can be efficiently released from the through-holes or recesses of the tobacco molded body while hardening the tobacco leaves. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an inhaler that efficiently generates flavor while suppressing reduction in liquid supplied for atomization.

(Aspect 7)
In Aspect 6 above, the liquid containing portion may contain the atomizing liquid that contacts the tobacco molded article.

According to this aspect, by providing the suction tool containing the liquid for atomization in advance, the user does not need to introduce the liquid for atomization into the suction tool by himself/herself.

(Aspect 8)
In order to achieve the above object, a suction tool according to one aspect of the present invention includes the atomizing unit for a suction tool according to aspect 6 or 7 above.

According to this aspect, the nicotine component can be efficiently released from the through-holes or recesses of the tobacco molded body while hardening the tobacco leaves. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an inhaler that efficiently generates flavor while suppressing reduction in liquid supplied for atomization.

(Aspect 9)
In order to achieve the above object, a method for producing a tobacco molded article according to an aspect of the present invention includes a forming step of hardening tobacco leaves to form a columnar tobacco molded article in which through holes or recesses are formed; an introducing step of introducing a nicotine-containing liquid containing at least one of natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine into the hole or recess.

According to this aspect, the nicotine component can be efficiently released from the through holes or recesses while hardening the tobacco leaves. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an inhaler that efficiently generates flavor while suppressing reduction in liquid supplied for atomization.

(Mode 10)
In order to achieve the above object, a method for manufacturing an atomizing unit for a suction device according to one aspect of the present invention includes disposing tobacco molded articles manufactured by the method for manufacturing tobacco molded articles according to aspect 9 above in a liquid container. including the assembly process.

According to this aspect, the nicotine component can be efficiently released from the through-holes or recesses of the tobacco molded body while hardening the tobacco leaves. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an inhaler that efficiently generates flavor while suppressing reduction in liquid supplied for atomization.

(Aspect 11)
In the above aspect 10, the liquid containing part contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and water. It may further include a housing step of housing in.

According to this aspect, the substance serves as a suitable solvent for the flavor component, so the flavor can be adjusted efficiently. In addition, in the case of providing a suction device containing the liquid for atomization in advance, the user does not need to introduce the liquid for atomization into the suction device by himself/herself.

According to the aspect of the present invention, the nicotine component can be efficiently released from the tobacco molded product while hardening the tobacco leaves.

It is a perspective view which shows typically the external appearance of the suction tool which concerns on one Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main part of the atomization unit for suction tools according to the embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along line A1-A1 of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a molded body according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of the molded body according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the TPM reduction rate with respect to the amount of carbonized component contained in 1 g of atomizing liquid. It is a flow chart for explaining a manufacturing method concerning the above-mentioned embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a molded body according to modification 1; FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of a molded body according to Modification 1; FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a molded body according to modification 2; FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view of a molded body according to modification 2;

A suction tool 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings of the present application are schematically illustrated in order to facilitate understanding of the features of the embodiments, and the dimensional ratios and the like of each component are not necessarily the same as the actual ones. In addition, XYZ orthogonal coordinates are illustrated in the drawings of the present application as needed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a suction tool 10 according to this embodiment. The suction tool 10 according to the present embodiment is a non-combustion heating suction tool, specifically, a non-combustion heating electronic cigarette.

As an example, the suction tool 10 according to this embodiment extends in the direction of the central axis CL of the suction tool 10 . Specifically, as an example, the suction tool 10 has a “long axis direction (direction of the central axis CL)”, a “width direction” orthogonal to the long axis direction, and a “thickness direction” orthogonal to the long axis direction and the width direction. It has an external shape with a direction. The dimensions in the long axis direction, width direction, and thickness direction of the suction tool 10 decrease in this order. In this embodiment, of the XYZ orthogonal coordinates, the Z-axis direction (Z direction or -Z direction) corresponds to the major axis direction, and the X-axis direction (X direction or -X direction) corresponds to the width direction, and the Y-axis direction (Y direction or −Y direction) corresponds to the thickness direction.

The suction tool 10 has a power supply unit 11 and an atomization unit 12. The power supply unit 11 is detachably connected to the atomization unit 12 . Inside the power supply unit 11, a battery as a power supply, a control device, and the like are arranged. When the atomization unit 12 is connected to the power supply unit 11, the power supply of the power supply unit 11 and the load 40 of the atomization unit 12, which will be described later, are electrically connected.

The atomization unit 12 is provided with a discharge port 13 for discharging air (that is, air). Air containing aerosol is discharged from this discharge port 13 . When using the suction tool 10 , the user of the suction tool 10 can suck the air discharged from the discharge port 13 .

The power supply unit 11 is provided with a sensor that outputs the value of the pressure change inside the suction tool 10 caused by the user's suction through the discharge port 13 . When the user starts sucking air, the sensor senses the start of sucking air and notifies the control device, which starts energizing the load 40 of the atomization unit 12, which will be described later. Further, when the user finishes sucking air, the sensor senses the finish of sucking air and informs the control device, and the control device stops energizing the load 40 .

The power supply unit 11 may be provided with an operation switch for transmitting an air suction start request and an air suction end request to the control device by user's operation. In this case, the user can operate the operation switch to transmit an air suction start request or a suction end request to the control device. Upon receiving the air suction start request and suction end request, the control device starts and terminates energization of the load 40 .

It should be noted that the configuration of the power supply unit 11 as described above is the same as that of the power supply unit of a known suction device as exemplified in Patent Document 2, for example, so further detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main part of the atomization unit 12 of the suction tool 10. FIG. Specifically, FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross section of the main part of the atomization unit 12 taken along a plane including the central axis CL. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section along line A1-A1 of FIG. 2 (that is, a cross section taken along a plane normal to the center axis CL). The atomization unit 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

The atomization unit 12 includes a plurality of walls (walls 70a to 70g) extending in the longitudinal direction (direction of the central axis CL) and a plurality of walls (walls 70a to 70g) extending in the width direction. 71a to wall portion 71c). The atomization unit 12 also includes an air passage 20 , a wick 30 , an electrical load 40 , a liquid container 50 and a molding 60 .

The air passage 20 is a passage through which air passes when the user inhales air (that is, inhales aerosol). The air passage 20 according to this embodiment includes an upstream passage portion, a load passage portion 22 and a downstream passage portion 23 . As an example, the upstream passage portion according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of upstream passage portions, specifically, an upstream passage portion 21a (“first upstream passage portion”) and an upstream passage portion 21b. (“second upstream passage portion”).

The upstream passage portions 21a and 21b are arranged upstream of the load passage portion 22 (upstream in the direction of air flow). Downstream end portions of the upstream passage portions 21 a and 21 b communicate with the load passage portion 22 . The load passage portion 22 is a passage portion in which the load 40 is arranged. The downstream passage portion 23 is a passage portion arranged on the downstream side (downstream side in the air flow direction) of the load passage portion 22 . An upstream end portion of the downstream passage portion 23 communicates with the load passage portion 22 . A downstream end of the downstream passage portion 23 communicates with the discharge port 13 described above. Air that has passed through the downstream passage portion 23 is discharged from the discharge port 13 .

Specifically, the upstream passage portion 21a according to the present embodiment is provided in a region surrounded by the wall portion 70a, the wall portion 70b, the wall portion 70e, the wall portion 70f, the wall portion 71a, and the wall portion 71b. there is The upstream passage portion 21b is provided in a region surrounded by the wall portion 70c, the wall portion 70d, the wall portion 70e, the wall portion 70f, the wall portion 71a, and the wall portion 71b. The load passage portion 22 is provided in a region surrounded by the wall portion 70a, the wall portion 70d, the wall portion 70e, the wall portion 70f, the wall portion 71b, and the wall portion 71c. The downstream passage portion 23 is provided in a region surrounded by the tubular wall portion 70g.

A hole 72a and a hole 72b are provided in the wall portion 71a. Air flows into the upstream passage portion 21a through the hole 72a, and flows into the upstream passage portion 21b through the hole 72b. Further, holes 72c and 72d are provided in the wall portion 71b. Air passing through the upstream passage portion 21a flows into the load passage portion 22 through the hole 72c, and air passing through the upstream passage portion 21b flows into the load passage portion 22 through the hole 72d.

In this embodiment, the direction of air flow in the upstream passage portions 21 a and 21 b is opposite to the direction of air flow in the downstream passage portion 23 . Specifically, in the present embodiment, the direction of air flow in the upstream passage portions 21a and 21b is the -Z direction, and the direction of air flow in the downstream passage portion 23 is the Z direction.

2 and 3, the upstream passage portion 21a and the upstream passage portion 21b according to the present embodiment sandwich the liquid storage portion 50 between the upstream passage portion 21a and the upstream passage portion 21b. As shown in FIG.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the upstream passage portion 21a according to the present embodiment is a cross-sectional view cut along a cut plane normal to the central axis CL, and the liquid storage portion 50 is sandwiched between the upstream passage portions 21a. side (-X direction side). On the other hand, the upstream passage portion 21b is arranged on the other side (the side in the X direction) across the liquid storage portion 50 in this cross-sectional view. In other words, the upstream passage portion 21 a is arranged on one side of the liquid containing portion 50 in the width direction of the suction tool 10 , and the upstream passage portion 21 b is arranged on the side of the liquid containing portion 50 in the width direction of the suction tool 10 . located on the other side.

The wick 30 is a member for introducing the liquid in the liquid storage section 50 to the load 40 in the load passage section 22 . The specific configuration of the wick 30 is not particularly limited as long as it has such a function. 50 liquids are introduced to the load 40;

The load 40 is an electrical load for introducing the liquid in the liquid containing portion 50 and atomizing the introduced liquid to generate an aerosol. A specific configuration of the load 40 is not particularly limited, and for example, a heating element such as a heater or an element such as an ultrasonic generator can be used. In this embodiment, a heater is used as an example of the load 40 . As this heater, a heating resistor (that is, a heating wire), a ceramic heater, a dielectric heating type heater, or the like can be used. In this embodiment, a heating resistor is used as an example of this heater. Moreover, in this embodiment, the heater as the load 40 has a coil shape. That is, the load 40 according to this embodiment is a so-called coil heater. This coil heater is wound around a wick 30 .

Further, the load 40 according to the present embodiment is arranged in the wick 30 portion inside the load passage portion 22 as an example. The load 40 is electrically connected to the power supply and the control device of the power supply unit 11 described above, and heats up when electricity from the power supply is supplied to the load 40 (that is, heats up when energized). Also, the operation of the load 40 is controlled by a control device. The load 40 heats the liquid in the liquid containing portion 50 introduced into the load 40 through the wick 30 to atomize the liquid to generate an aerosol.

The configurations of the wick 30 and the load 40 are the same as the wick and the load used in a known suction tool as exemplified in Patent Document 2, for example, so further detailed description will be omitted.

The liquid containing portion 50 is a part for containing liquid for atomization. This liquid is hereinafter appropriately referred to as "atomizing liquid". The liquid storage portion 50 according to this embodiment is provided in a region surrounded by the wall portion 70b, the wall portion 70c, the wall portion 70e, the wall portion 70f, the wall portion 71a, and the wall portion 71b. Further, in the present embodiment, the downstream passage portion 23 described above is provided so as to penetrate the liquid storage portion 50 in the direction of the central axis CL.

The specific type of the predetermined solvent that constitutes the liquid for atomization is not particularly limited, but is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and water, for example. A liquid containing one selected substance or two or more substances selected from this group can be used. In this embodiment, glycerin and propylene glycol are used as examples of the predetermined solvent.

The atomizing liquid may be a liquid containing a flavor component such as natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine, which will be described later. Even in such a case, the nicotine-containing liquid contained in the tobacco molded body 60 can be released from the tobacco molded body 60 efficiently and appropriately adjusted.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, two molded bodies 60 according to the present embodiment are arranged inside the liquid of the liquid containing portion 50. As shown in FIG. However, the number of molded bodies 60 is not limited to this, and may be one or three or more. The molded body 60 is obtained by hardening tobacco leaves and molding them into a predetermined shape.

4A and 4B are a schematic perspective view and a bottom view of the molded body 60, respectively. The molded body 60 has a columnar main body and a through hole 600 formed therein. In other words, the external shape of the molded body 60 excluding the through holes 600 is cylindrical. A first surface 61 , a second surface 62 and side surfaces 63 are formed on the molded body 60 . The first surface 61 and the second surface 62 facing the first surface 61 have circular outer peripheries. The first surface 61 and the second surface 62 correspond to the bottom surface or top surface of the cylinder. The side surface 63 has the shape of a cylindrical surface and connects the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 .

Specific values of the width (that is, outer diameter) (W1), which is the length in the lateral direction of the molded body 60, and the total length (L), which is the length in the longitudinal direction of the molded body 60, are particularly limited. Although it is not a thing, an example of the numerical value is as follows. That is, as the width (W1) of the molded body 60, a value selected from a range of, for example, 2 mm or more and 20 mm or less can be used. As the total length (L) of the molded body 60, a value selected from the range of, for example, 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less can be used. However, these values are only examples of the width (W1) and the total length (L) of the molded body 60, and the width (W1) and the total length (L) of the molded body 60 are suitable according to the size of the suction tool 10. value should be set.

Openings 610 of through-holes 600 are formed on the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 of the molded body 60 . In FIG. 4A, the inner side surface 620 of the tobacco molded body 60, which is the side surface of the through-hole 600, is schematically shown by broken lines.

A central axis CA is set in the longitudinal direction of the columnar molded body 60 . A central axis CA is an axis passing through the geometric center of the first surface 61 excluding the opening 610 and extending in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the central axis CA is an axis that passes through the centers of two circles corresponding to the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 and is parallel to the side surface 63 .

In FIG. 4B, the point where the nicotine-containing liquid LE is held in the through-hole 600 is indicated by (LE). The solvent of the nicotine-containing liquid LE is not particularly limited, but for example, one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and water, or Liquids containing two or more substances selected from among may be used. Glycerin and propylene glycol can be used as examples of predetermined solvents.

The nicotine contained in the nicotine-containing liquid LE may be natural nicotine alone, synthetic nicotine alone, or both natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine. In general, natural nicotine is considered to be cheaper than synthetic nicotine. manufacturing cost can be reduced. However, if for some reason it is not easy to obtain high-purity natural nicotine in the area where the suction device 10 is used, natural nicotine Synthetic nicotine is preferably used in conjunction with or in place of natural nicotine.

When natural nicotine is used in the nicotine-containing liquid LE, this natural nicotine can be specifically natural nicotine extracted and purified from at least a part of tobacco plants such as tobacco leaves. For such a method for producing natural nicotine, for example, a well-known technique as exemplified in Non-Patent Document 1 can be applied, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When natural nicotine is used in the nicotine-containing liquid LE, the purity of natural nicotine is increased by purifying the tobacco leaf extract and removing components other than natural nicotine from the tobacco leaf extract as much as possible. Natural nicotine with an enhanced To give a specific numerical example, the purity of the natural nicotine contained in the nicotine-containing liquid LE may be 99.9 wt% or more (that is, in this case, impurities contained in natural nicotine (components other than natural nicotine) ) is less than 0.1 wt%).

When synthetic nicotine is used for the nicotine-containing liquid LE, nicotine produced by chemical synthesis using chemical substances can be used as synthetic nicotine. The purity of this synthetic nicotine may also be 99.9 wt% or more, like natural nicotine. A method for producing synthetic nicotine is not particularly limited, and a known production method can be used.

The ratio (% by weight (wt%)) of nicotine contained in the nicotine-containing liquid LE is not particularly limited, but for example, a value selected from the range of 0.1 wt% or more and 7.5 wt% or less is used. be able to.

The opening 610 of the through-hole 600 is formed so as to surround the central axis CA on the first surface 61 in which the opening 610 is formed. Since the opening 610 is formed in the central portion of the molded body 60 in this way, it is possible to prevent the nicotine-containing liquid LE from permeating the molded body 60 and diffusing too quickly to the outside of the molded body 60. . As a result, it is possible to suppress temporal changes in flavor during inhalation.

The inner diameter W2 of the opening 610 of the through-hole 600 on the surface of the molded body 60 is smaller than the depth D1 of the through-hole 600 . Here, the inner diameter W2 of the opening 610 indicates the maximum width of the width of the opening 610 on the straight line passing through the central axis CA in the first surface 61 . In this embodiment, the depth D1 of the through-hole 600 is the distance between the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 . Since the inner diameter W2 of the opening 610 is smaller than the depth of the through-hole 600, the molded body 60 can easily hold the nicotine-containing liquid LE. This can prevent too fast diffusion of the nicotine-containing liquid LE.

From the viewpoint of making it easier for the molded body 60 to hold the nicotine-containing liquid LE, the inner diameter W2 of the opening 610 is preferably 3 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, even more preferably 1.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or less. . When the inner diameter W of the opening 610 is 1.5 mm or less, the nicotine-containing liquid LE can be retained by capillary action. If the nicotine-containing liquid LE can be retained by capillary action, it not only suppresses diffusion into the liquid storage section 50 but also prevents the nicotine-containing liquid LE from flowing out of the molding 60 when the atomization unit 12 is assembled. , the molded body 60 can be easily handled, which is preferable. On the other hand, if the inner diameter W2 of the opening 610 is too small, it becomes difficult to introduce the nicotine-containing liquid LE into the through hole 600, or the amount that can be introduced is reduced. It is set as above.

Further, in the present embodiment, the density (mass per unit volume) of the compact 60 is, for example, 1100 mg/cm ³ or more and 1450 mg/cm ³ or less. However, the density of the compact 60 is not limited to this, and may be less than 1100 mg/cm ³ or greater than 1450 mg/cm ³ .

The suction using the suction tool 10 is performed as follows. First, when the user starts sucking air, the air passes through the upstream passage portions 21 a and 21 b of the air passage 20 and flows into the load passage portion 22 . Aerosol generated in the load 40 is added to the air that has flowed into the load passage portion 22 . This aerosol contains flavor components such as nicotine eluted from the compact 60 . The aerosol-added air passes through the downstream passage portion 23 and is discharged from the discharge port 13 to be sucked by the user.

According to the suction tool 10 according to the present embodiment as described above, since the molded body 60 formed by hardening tobacco leaves is used, the supply of the liquid for atomization is hindered due to contact of the tobacco leaves with the wick 30 or the like. can be prevented. In addition, since the swelling of tobacco leaves is suppressed, it is possible to prevent the reduction of usable atomizing liquid. It is also an advantage that the tobacco leaves can be sufficiently compacted without particular restrictions. In addition to this, the nicotine-containing liquid LE can be efficiently discharged from the through holes 600 of the compact 60 even when the tobacco leaves are hardened. Furthermore, the outflow of the nicotine-containing liquid LE from the compact 60 can be adjusted by the size and shape of the through-holes 600 . Thereby, the temporal change in flavor can be adjusted.

Also, the amount (mg) of the carbonized component contained in 1 g of the atomizing liquid in which the compact 60 is arranged is preferably 6 mg or less, more preferably 3 mg or less.

According to this configuration, it is possible to enjoy the flavor of tobacco leaves while suppressing the amount of carbonized components adhering to the electrical load 40 as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to enjoy the flavor of tobacco leaves while minimizing the occurrence of scorching of the load 40 .

It should be noted that "the carbonized component contained in the atomizing liquid in which the compact 60 is arranged" specifically refers to the carbonized component contained in the atomizing liquid before the compact 60 is arranged. and the amount of the carbonized component eluted from the compact 60 into the atomizing liquid.

In addition, in the present embodiment, "carbonized component" refers to a component that becomes a carbide when heated to 250°C. Specifically, the term "carbonized component" refers to a component that does not form a carbide at a temperature of less than 250°C, but that forms a carbide when the temperature is maintained at 250°C for a predetermined period of time.

The "amount (mg) of the carbonized component contained in 1 g of the atomizing liquid in which the compact 60 is arranged" can be measured, for example, by the following method. First, a predetermined amount (g) of atomizing liquid in which the molded body 60 is arranged is prepared. Next, this atomizing liquid is heated to 180° C. to volatilize the solvent (liquid component) to obtain a “residue composed of non-volatile components”. The residue is then heated to 250° C. to carbonize the residue to obtain a carbide. The amount (mg) of this carbide is then measured. By the above method, it is possible to measure the amount (mg) of chars contained in a predetermined amount (g) of the atomizing liquid, and based on this measured value, the amount of chars contained in 1 g of the atomizing liquid. (that is, the amount (mg) of the carbonized component) can be calculated.

Next, the relationship between the amount of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the atomizing liquid and the TPM reduction rate will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the TPM reduction rate with respect to the amount of carbonized component contained in 1 g of atomizing liquid. The horizontal axis of FIG. 5 indicates the amount of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the atomizing liquid, and the vertical axis indicates the TPM reduction rate (R _TPM ) (%).

The TPM reduction rate (R _TPM : %) in FIG. 5 was measured by the following method. First, a plurality of suction tool samples having different amounts of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the atomizing liquid were prepared. Specifically, five samples (sample SA1 to sample SA5) were prepared as samples of the plurality of suction tools. These five samples were prepared by the following steps.

(Step 1)
20 (wt%) of potassium carbonate in terms of dry weight was added to tobacco raw material composed of tobacco leaves, and then heat distillation treatment was performed. The distillation residue after the heat distillation treatment is immersed in water of 15 times the weight of the tobacco raw material before the heat distillation treatment for 10 minutes, dehydrated with a dehydrator, and then dried with a dryer to obtain tobacco. A residue was obtained.

(Step 2)
Next, a portion of the tobacco residue obtained in step 1 was washed with water to prepare a tobacco residue containing a small amount of charcoal.

(Step 3)
Next, 25 g of an immersion liquid (propylene glycol 47.5 wt%, glycerin 47.5 wt%, water 5 wt%) as an extract liquid was added to 5 g of the tobacco residue obtained in step 2, and the temperature of the immersion liquid was raised to 60. °C and allowed to stand. By varying the standing time (that is, the immersion time in the immersion liquid), the amount of carbonized component eluted into the immersion liquid (tobacco extract) was varied.

Through the above steps, a plurality of samples with different amounts of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the liquid for atomization consisting of immersion liquid (tobacco extract) were prepared.

Next, automatic smoking was performed on the plurality of samples prepared in the above-described steps using an automatic smoking machine ("Analytical Vaping Machine" manufactured by Borgwaldt) under "CRM (Coresta Recommended Method) 81 smoking conditions". rice field. The CRM 81 smoking condition is a condition in which 55 cc of aerosol is inhaled over 3 seconds, and is performed multiple times every 30 seconds.

The amount of total particulate matter collected by the Cambridge filter of the automatic smoking machine was then measured. Based on the measured amount of total particulate matter, the TPM reduction rate (R _TPM ) was calculated using the following formula (1). The TPM reduction rate (R _TPM ) in FIG. 5 was measured by the above method.

R _TPM (%) = (1-TPM (201 puff to 250 puff) / TPM (1 puff to 50 puff)) x 100 (1)

Here, TPM (Total Particle Molecule) indicates the total particulate matter captured by the Cambridge filter of the automatic smoking machine. “TPM (1 puff to 50 puff)” in the formula (1) indicates the amount of total particulate matter collected by the Cambridge filter from the 1st puff to the 50th puff of the automatic smoking machine. "TPM (201 puff to 250 puff)" in equation (1) indicates the amount of total particulate matter captured by the Cambridge filter from the 201st puff to the 250th puff of the automatic smoking machine.

That is, the TPM reduction rate (R _TPM ) in Equation (1) is defined as "the amount of total particulate matter collected by the Cambridge filter from the 201st puff to the 250th puff of the automatic smoking machine. 1 minus the value obtained by dividing by the amount of total particulate matter collected by the Cambridge filter from the 1st puff to the 50th puff, and multiplied by 100.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, there is a proportional relationship between the amount of carbonized components contained in 1 g of the atomizing liquid and the TPM reduction rate. As can be seen particularly from samples SA1 to SA4 in FIG. 5, when the amount of carbonized component contained in 1 g of the atomizing liquid is 6 mg or less, the TPM reduction rate can be suppressed to 20% or less.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a method of manufacturing the suction tool atomization unit 12 including the molded body 60 according to this embodiment.

In the extraction process of step S10, flavor components are extracted from tobacco leaves. Although the specific method of step S10 is not particularly limited, for example, the following method can be used. First, an alkaline substance is applied to tobacco leaves (referred to as alkaline treatment). As the alkaline substance used here, for example, a basic substance such as an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate can be used.

Next, the alkali-treated tobacco leaves are heated at a predetermined temperature (for example, a temperature of 80°C or more and less than 150°C) (referred to as heat treatment). Then, during this heat treatment, for example, one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and water, or a substance selected from this group Two or more substances are brought into contact with tobacco leaves.

By this heat treatment, released components (flavor components are included here) released from tobacco leaves into the gas phase are collected in a predetermined collection solvent. As the collection solvent, for example, one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and water, or two types selected from this group The above substances can be used. As a result, a collection solvent containing flavor components can be obtained (that is, flavor components can be extracted from tobacco leaves).

Alternatively, step S10 can be configured without using the collection solvent as described above. Specifically, in this case, after subjecting the alkali-treated tobacco leaves to the above-described heat treatment, the components released from the tobacco leaves into the gas phase are cooled using a condenser or the like. can be condensed to extract flavor components.

Alternatively, step S10 may be configured without the alkali treatment as described above. Specifically, in this case, in step S10, tobacco leaves (tobacco leaves that have not been subjected to alkali treatment) are treated with glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and water. A selected substance or two or more substances selected from this group are added. Next, the tobacco leaves to which this has been added are heated, and the components released during this heating are collected in a collection solvent or condensed using a condenser or the like. Flavor components can also be extracted by such a process.

Alternatively, in step S10, an aerosol in which one substance selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and water is aerosolized, or an aerosol selected from this group Tobacco leaves (tobacco leaves that have not been subjected to alkali treatment) are passed through the aerosol in which two or more kinds of substances are aerosolized, and the aerosol that has passed through the tobacco leaves is collected by a collection solvent. Flavor components can also be extracted by such a process.

After step S10, the molding process of step S20 is executed. In step S20, the "tobacco residue", which is the tobacco leaves extracted in the extraction step of step S10, is solidified and formed into a columnar shape having through holes 600 formed therein, thereby manufacturing the compact 60. The method for shaping tobacco leaves is not particularly limited. For example, the through holes 600 may be punched after the tobacco leaves are compacted into a columnar shape, or the molded body 60 may be formed by compacting the tobacco leaves around a mold based on the shape of the through holes 600 . After this step S20 or step S30 to be described later, coating or the like may be performed as follows.

For example, the surface of the molded body 60 is coated with a coating material. As a result, the molded body 60 having a structure in which the surface of the hardened tobacco residue is covered with the coating material can be manufactured.

For example, wax can be used as this coating material. Examples of this wax include Microcrystalline WAX manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd. (model number: Hi-Mic-1080 or model number: Hi-Mic-1090), and water-dispersed ionomer manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals (model number: Chemipearl S120). ), Mitsui Chemicals Hi-Wax (model number: 110P), or the like can be used.

Alternatively, corn protein can be used as the coating material. A specific example of this is Zein (model number: Kobayashi Zein DP-N) manufactured by Kobayashi Koryo Co., Ltd.

Alternatively, polyvinyl acetate can be used as the coating material.

The coating material covering the surface of the molded body 60 is provided with a plurality of holes (fine holes) through which the flavor component remaining in the tobacco residue can pass while suppressing passage of the tobacco residue. preferably. That is, the pores of the coating material may be larger than the size of the flavor component and smaller than the size of the tobacco residue. According to this configuration, the flavor component remaining in the tobacco residue can be eluted into the atomizing liquid while suppressing the elution of the tobacco residue into the atomizing liquid.

The specific size (inner diameter) of the holes provided in this coating material is not particularly limited, but to give a specific example, for example, a value selected from the range of 10 μm or more and 3 mm or less can be used. can. The inner diameter of the holes in the coating material is preferably 2 mm or less, more preferably 1.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.0 mm or less. When the inner diameter of the hole is 1.5 mm or less, the liquid contained in the tobacco residue can be retained by capillarity. If the liquid can be retained by capillary action, the liquid will not flow out of the molded body 60 even when the atomization unit 12 is assembled.

A net-like mesh member can also be used as the coating material. In this case as well, the flavor component remaining in the tobacco residue can be eluted into the atomizing liquid while suppressing the elution of the tobacco residue into the atomizing liquid.

Further, in the molding process of step S20, the tobacco residue can be mixed with a resin to harden the tobacco residue to produce the molded body 60. In this case as well, the flavor component remaining in the tobacco residue can be eluted into the atomizing liquid while suppressing the elution of the tobacco residue into the atomizing liquid.

Alternatively, in the molding process of step S20, the tobacco residue may be washed with a cleaning liquid, and the molded product 60 may be manufactured by molding the washed tobacco residue by the method described above. According to this configuration, the amount of carbonized components contained in the tobacco residue is reduced as much as possible by washing, and the compact 60 can be manufactured using the tobacco residue with the reduced amount of carbonized components. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress adhesion of carbonized components to the load 40 . As a result, scorching of the load 40 can be effectively suppressed.

After step S20, the introduction process related to step S30 is executed. Specifically, in step S30, the nicotine-containing liquid LE is introduced into the through holes 600 of the compact 60 formed in step S20. For example, the nicotine-containing liquid LE can be introduced from the opening 610 of the through-hole 600 using an injector having a narrow tubular end.

After step S30, the assembly process related to step S40 is executed. Specifically, in step S40, the atomization unit 12 in which the molded body 60 is not stored is prepared, and the molded body 60 after step S30 is stored in the liquid storage section 50 of the atomization unit 12. do.

After step S40, the accommodation process related to step S50 is executed. Specifically, in step S70, a liquid containing a group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and water is placed in the liquid storage section 50 of the atomization unit 12 so as to be in contact with the compact 60. Contains an atomizing liquid containing one substance selected from or two or more substances selected from this group. In this case, a flavoring component may be added to the above-described liquid stored in the liquid storage section 50 separately from the nicotine-containing liquid LE introduced into the compact 60 in step S30. Through the steps described above, the atomization unit 12 of the suction tool 10 according to the present embodiment is manufactured. Note that step S50 may be executed before step S40. Alternatively, the atomization unit 12 may be provided to the user without executing step S50. In this case, the user himself/herself can introduce the atomizing liquid.

The manufacturing method of the tobacco molded body and the atomizing unit for suction device of the present embodiment includes a molding step of solidifying tobacco leaves to mold a columnar molded body 60 having through holes 600 formed therein, and a step of forming nicotine-containing and an introduction step of introducing the liquid LE. As a result, since the molded body 60 formed by hardening tobacco leaves is used, it is possible to prevent the supply of the atomizing liquid from being hindered due to contact of the tobacco leaves with the wick 30 or the like. In addition, since the swelling of tobacco leaves is suppressed, it is possible to prevent the reduction of usable atomizing liquid. It is also an advantage that the tobacco leaves can be sufficiently compacted without particular restrictions. In addition to this, the nicotine-containing liquid LE can be efficiently discharged from the through holes 600 of the compact 60 even when the tobacco leaves are hardened. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the size or shape of the through-holes 600, the outflow of the nicotine component from the molded body 60 can be adjusted. As a result, it is possible to provide an inhaler with improved temporal change in flavor.

The following modifications are also within the scope of the present invention, and can be combined with the above-described embodiment or other modifications. In the following modified examples, the same reference numerals are used to refer to parts having the same structures and functions as those of the above-described embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiments, the outer shape of the molded body may be a shape other than a cylindrical shape. Also, the through hole of the molded body may have a side surface with a shape other than a cylindrical surface. Even in such a case, the nicotine-containing liquid can be efficiently discharged from the through holes while the tobacco leaves are hardened, and the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

7A and 7B are a schematic perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of a molded body 60A of this modified example. 60 A of through-holes are formed in the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped main body 60A of moldings. In other words, the molded body 60A except for the through holes 600A has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. A first surface 61A, a second surface 62A and side surfaces 63A are formed on the molded body 60A. The first surface 61A and the second surface 62A facing the first surface 61A have rectangular outer contours. The first surface 61A and the second surface 62A correspond to the bottom surface or top surface of the quadrangular prism. The side surface 63A includes four rectangular surfaces and connects the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 .

An opening 610A of the through hole 600A is formed on the first surface 61A and the second surface 62A of the molded body 60A. In FIG. 7A, the inner side surface 620A of the molded body 60A, which is the side surface of the through hole 600A, is schematically shown by a dashed line. The inner side surface 620A has a shape similar to the side surface of a quadrangular prism.

In this modified example, the outer shape of the molded body 60A is a quadrangular prism, but the outer shape of the molded body 60A is not particularly limited as long as it is columnar. The external shape of the molded body 60A may be, for example, a columnar shape having a cross-sectional outline of a triangle, a pentagon, or a polygon having 6 or more corners.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiments, recesses may be formed in the compact instead of through holes. Even in such a case, the nicotine-containing liquid can be efficiently discharged from the concave portion while the tobacco leaves are hardened, and the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

8A and 8B are a schematic perspective view and bottom view, respectively, of a molded body 60B of this modified example. The molded body 60B has a cylindrical main body with a recess 700 formed therein. In other words, the outer shape of the molded body 60B excluding the recess 700 is cylindrical. A first surface 61, a second surface 62B and side surfaces 63 are formed on the molded body 60B. A second surface 62B facing the first surface 61 is circular. The first surface 61 and the second surface 62B correspond to the bottom surface or top surface of the cylinder. The side surface 63 has a cylindrical shape and connects the first surface 61 and the second surface 62B.

The width (that is, the outer diameter) (W1), which is the length in the lateral direction of the molded body 60B, and the total length (L), which is the length in the longitudinal direction of the molded body 60B, are not particularly limited. can be set in the same manner as in the molded body 60 of .

An opening 710 of the recess 700 is formed on the first surface 61 of the molded body 60B. In FIG. 8A, the inner side surface 720 of the molded body 60B, which is the side surface of the recessed portion 700, and the recess bottom surface 730, which is the bottom surface of the recessed portion 700, are schematically shown by dashed lines.

The recess 700 holds the nicotine-containing liquid LE. Opening 710 of recess 700 is formed to surround central axis CA on first surface 61 in which opening 710 is formed. Since the opening 710 is formed in the central portion of the molded body 60B in this manner, the nicotine-containing liquid LE is prevented from permeating the molded body 60B and diffusing too quickly to the outside of the molded body 60B. As a result, it is possible to suppress temporal changes in flavor during inhalation.

The inner diameter W3 of the opening 710 of the recess 700 on the surface of the molded body 60B is smaller than the depth D2 of the recess 700. Here, the inner diameter W3 of the opening 710 indicates the maximum width of the width of the opening 710 on the straight line passing through the central axis CA in the first surface 61 . Since the inner diameter W3 of the opening 710 is smaller than the depth D2 of the recess 700, the molded body 60B can easily hold the nicotine-containing liquid LE. This can prevent too fast diffusion of the nicotine-containing liquid LE.

From the viewpoint of facilitating holding of the nicotine-containing liquid LE in the molded body 60B, the inner diameter W3 of the opening 710 is preferably 3 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, even more preferably 1.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or less. . When the inner diameter W3 of the opening 710 is 1.5 mm or less, the nicotine-containing liquid LE can be retained by capillary action. If the nicotine-containing liquid LE can be retained by capillary action, it not only suppresses diffusion into the liquid storage section 50, but also prevents the nicotine-containing liquid LE from flowing out of the molding 60B when the atomizing unit 12 is assembled. On the other hand, if the inner diameter W3 of the opening 710 is too small, it becomes difficult to introduce the nicotine-containing liquid LE into the recess 700, or the amount that can be introduced decreases. is set to 10 μm or more, 100 μm or more, or the like.

The manufacturing method of the cigarette molded body and the atomizing unit for suction device of this modified example includes a molding step of molding the columnar molded body 60B in which the recessed portion 700 is formed, and an introduction step of introducing the nicotine-containing liquid LE into the recessed portion 700. can include As a result, since the molded body 60B formed by hardening tobacco leaves is used, it is possible to prevent the supply of the atomizing liquid from being hindered due to contact of the tobacco leaves with the wick 30 or the like. In addition, since the swelling of tobacco leaves is suppressed, it is possible to prevent the reduction of usable atomizing liquid. It is also an advantage that the tobacco leaves can be sufficiently compacted without particular restrictions. In addition, even if the tobacco leaves are hardened, the nicotine-containing liquid LE can be efficiently discharged from the concave portions 700 of the molded body 60B. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the size or shape of the concave portion 700, the outflow of the nicotine component from the molded body 60 can be adjusted. This makes it possible to provide an inhaler with improved temporal change in flavor.

(Modification 3)
Although one through-hole or recess is provided in the molded body in the above-described embodiment or modified example, a plurality of through-holes or recesses may be provided in the molded body. One or more through-holes and one or more recesses may be provided in combination in the molded body. Even in such a case, the nicotine-containing liquid can be efficiently released from the compact while the tobacco leaves are hardened, and the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment or modification can be achieved.

(Modification 4)
Although the through-holes or recesses are provided along the longitudinal direction of the molded body in the above-described embodiments or modifications, the through-holes or recesses may be provided along any direction of the molded body. For example, through holes or recesses may be provided along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the molded body. Even in such a case, the nicotine-containing liquid can be efficiently released from the compact while the tobacco leaves are hardened, and the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment or modification can be achieved. In addition, in the above-described embodiments and modified examples, the end faces of the molded body are described as being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. may be

(Modification 5)
In the above embodiments or modifications, examples are described in which the inner diameter of the opening of the through-hole or recess on the surface of the molded article is smaller than the depth of the through-hole or recess. However, the inner diameter of the opening may be the same as or greater than the depth of the through-hole or recess. As a result, the nicotine-containing liquid can be discharged more efficiently from the through-holes or recesses.

The embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments and modifications, and is within the scope of the gist of the invention described in the scope of claims. , various modifications and changes are possible.

10 Suction Tool 12 Atomization Unit 20 Air Passage 40 Load 50 Liquid Storage Portion 60, 60A, 60B Molded Body 61, 61A First Surface 62, 62A, 62B Second Surface 63, 63A Side 600, 600A Through Hole 610, 610A, 710 openings 620, 620A, 720 inner side surface 730 bottom surface of concave portion CA central axis D1 depth of through-hole D2 depth of concave portion L overall length LE of molded article nicotine-containing liquid W1 outer diameters of molded article W2, W3 inner diameter of opening

Claims (11)

a columnar body;
a through hole or recess formed in the main body;
a nicotine-containing liquid containing at least one of natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine held in the through hole or recess;
A tobacco molded body comprising: The tobacco molded article according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the opening of the through-hole or recess on the surface of the tobacco molded article is smaller than the depth of the through-hole or recess. The molded tobacco product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening has an outer diameter of 10 µm or more and 3 mm or less. The tobacco molded article according to claims 1 to 3, wherein said main body is columnar. 5. The tobacco molded article according to claim 1, wherein the opening of said through-hole or said recess is formed so as to surround a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction of said main body on the surface on which said opening is formed. . a liquid container for containing an atomizing liquid;
The tobacco molded article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is contained in the liquid containing portion;
and an electric load for introducing the atomizing liquid in the liquid container and for atomizing the introduced atomizing liquid to generate an aerosol. The atomization unit for a sucker according to claim 6, wherein the liquid containing portion contains the atomization liquid that contacts the tobacco molded article. A suction tool comprising the suction tool atomization unit according to claim 6 or 7. a forming step of solidifying tobacco leaves to form a columnar shaped tobacco product having through holes or recesses;
an introduction step of introducing a nicotine-containing liquid containing at least one of natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine into the through hole or recess;
A method for producing a tobacco molded product comprising A manufacturing method for an atomizing unit for a sucker, which includes an assembling step of arranging a tobacco molded article manufactured by the tobacco molded article manufacturing method according to claim 9 in a liquid container. An accommodating step of accommodating, in the liquid accommodating portion, a liquid containing one or more substances selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and water, in the liquid accommodating portion. The manufacturing method of the atomization unit for suction tools according to claim 10, further comprising:

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