WO2025186891A1 - Flavor-generating article - Google Patents

Abstract

This flavor-generating article comprises: a flavor-generating unit; and an upstream part disposed upstream of the flavor-generating unit. The upstream part has a first section and a second section. In a cross-section orthogonal to the direction in which the flavor-generating unit and the upstream part are adjacent to each other, the first section and the second section are disposed adjacent to each other. When the flavor-generating article is heated by a heating member, the second section is disposed closer to the heating member than the first section. The upstream section has: a first sheet member disposed between the first section and the second section; and a second sheet member disposed on the outer side of the second section. The second section is configured to shrink upon heating. At least one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member is configured to deform along with the shrinkage of the second section.

Description

Flavor-generating products

The present invention relates to a flavor-generating product.

Flavor-generating articles used in flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors and the like without burning a material are known. For example, a flavor-generating article is known that includes an aerosol-forming substrate that generates an aerosol, and a plug that is placed on the tip side (upstream side) of this aerosol-forming substrate (see Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 6227555

The plug disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided in a flavor-generating product for the purpose of preventing the aerosol-forming substrate from being released from the tip of the rod during handling of the flavor-generating product.

One object of the present invention is to provide a flavor-generating product with a plug that has additional functions.

According to a first aspect, a flavor-generating article is provided. The flavor-generating article comprises a flavor-generating section and an upstream section arranged upstream of the flavor-generating section. The upstream section has a first section and a second section. In a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the flavor-generating section and the upstream section are adjacent to each other, the first section and the second section are arranged adjacent to each other. When the flavor-generating article is heated by a heating member, the second section is arranged closer to the heating member than the first section. The upstream section has a first sheet member arranged between the first section and the second section, and a second sheet member arranged outside the second section. The second section is configured to shrink when heated. At least one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member is configured to deform in accordance with the shrinkage of the second section.

According to the first aspect, the second portion of the upstream section can be heated more easily than the first portion, causing the second portion to shrink due to heating. Furthermore, as the second portion shrinks due to heating, at least one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member deforms, thereby increasing the inhalation resistance of the second portion. In other words, this upstream section has the additional function of changing the inhalation resistance. Specifically, for example, in the early stage of a smoking session, air is preferentially passed through the second portion, which has a lower inhalation resistance, and in the later stage of the smoking session, the inhalation resistance of the second portion is increased by heating, causing air to preferentially pass through the first portion. The smoking session may refer to the period from the start to the end of the process of generating an aerosol. The smoking session may also refer to the period from the start to the end of the process of heating the flavor inhalation article. The early stage of a smoking session may refer to 50% of the entire smoking session from the start of the smoking session, 30% of the entire smoking session from the start of the smoking session, or the time when heating begins. The latter part of the smoking session may be the period from the first half of the smoking session to the end of the smoking session, or when heating ends.

In a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the flavor generating section and the upstream section are adjacent to each other, the second section may be arranged to surround the first section.

In this case, when the flavor-generating article is heated from the outer periphery, more air is circulated toward the outer periphery of the flavor-generating section where the temperature is higher during the first half of the smoking session, and the suction resistance of the second section is increased by heating. During the latter half of the smoking session, more air is circulated toward the center of the flavor-generating section where the temperature is higher, allowing for efficient generation and delivery of vapor or aerosol.

The second portion may include cellulose acetate.

In this case, the second part can be appropriately shrunk by appropriately heating the second part.

The second portion may contain a plasticizer.

In this case, the temperature at which the second part begins to shrink can be lowered, allowing the second part to shrink with less energy. The plasticizer can be, for example, triacetin.

The content of the plasticizer in the second portion may be 6% by weight or more and 9% by weight or less.

In this case, the energy required for shrinkage of the second portion can be reduced while suppressing dissolution of the second portion. If the plasticizer content is less than 6% by weight, the temperature at which the second portion begins to shrink becomes high, requiring a relatively high amount of energy for shrinkage of the second portion. If the plasticizer content is more than 9% by weight, there is a risk of partial dissolution of the second portion. It is preferable that the plasticizer content in the second portion be greater than the plasticizer content in the first portion. For example, if the first and second portions are composed of cellulose acetate, the triacetin content in the second portion may be 9% by weight, and the triacetin content in the first portion may be 6% by weight.

The second portion may have an upstream portion and a downstream portion located downstream of the upstream portion, and the amount of thermal contraction of the downstream portion may be greater than the amount of thermal contraction of the upstream portion during a later period of a smoking session.

In this case, the upstream portion of the second part will not thermally shrink as much as the downstream portion in the later stages of a smoking session, so even if the upstream portion is exposed, changes in the appearance of the upstream portion after smoking can be suppressed. Note that the upstream portion of the second part does not necessarily have to shrink due to heat.

One of the first sheet member and the second sheet member may deform as the second portion contracts.

In this case, only one of the first and second sheet members deforms, while the other does not. This maintains the bond between the first sheet member and the first portion, or the bond between the second sheet member and the tipping paper, etc., preventing the upstream portion from falling off the flavor-generating article.

In the early stages of a smoking session, the resistance to draw of the second portion may be smaller than the resistance to draw of the first portion, and in the later stages of a smoking session, the resistance to draw of the second portion may be larger than the resistance to draw of the first portion.

In this case, in the early stages of a smoking session, air is preferentially passed through the second section, which has a lower resistance to draw, and in the later stages of a smoking session, the resistance to draw in the second section is increased by heating, allowing air to preferentially pass through the first section.

The resistance to draw of the second portion during an early stage of a smoking session may be smaller than the resistance to draw of the second portion during a later stage of a smoking session.

In this case, the amount of air flowing into the second section can be increased in the latter part of the smoking session compared to the earlier part, allowing the flavor generated in the flavor generating section to be delivered more efficiently.

The flavor generating unit may have a first flavor source into which air that has passed through the first portion flows, a second flavor source into which air that has passed through the second portion flows, and a separator that separates the first flavor source from the second flavor source.

In this case, for example, in the early part of a smoking session, air can be made to pass preferentially through the second flavor source, and in the later part of the smoking session, air can be made to pass preferentially through the first flavor source due to changes in the suction resistance in the upstream section. Furthermore, the separator can prevent air that has flowed into one of the first and second flavor sources from flowing out to the other of the first and second flavor sources, allowing air to pass through the desired flavor source.

The flavor-generating article may include a downstream portion located downstream of the flavor-generating portion, and the downstream portion may have an opening that allows air to flow from the outside to the inside.

In this case, when the upstream suction resistance changes between the early and later stages of a smoking session, the aerosol dilution rate can be adjusted between the early and later stages of the smoking session, allowing the flavor balance to be adjusted throughout the smoking session.

The downstream section may have a filter section and a hollow tube section formed in a cylindrical shape between the flavor generating section and the filter section, and the opening may be located in the hollow tube section.

The ratio of the amount of air inflow from the upstream portion to the amount of air inflow from the opening during the early part of a smoking session may be different from the ratio of the amount of air inflow from the upstream portion to the amount of air inflow from the opening during the later part of a smoking session.

In this case, the aerosol dilution rate can be adjusted between the early and later stages of a smoking session, allowing the flavor balance to be adjusted throughout the smoking session.

The amount of air flowing through the opening during the latter part of a smoking session may be greater than the amount of air flowing through the opening during the earlier part of a smoking session.

In this case, the amount of air flowing in from the tip of the flavor-generating article is reduced compared to the amount of air flowing in from the aperture, thereby reducing the amount of flavor components delivered by puffs in the later stages of a smoking session.

The upstream section may have a ventilation hole on its side that allows air to flow from the outside to the inside.

In this case, air can flow into the upstream portion (specifically, the second portion) from the air vent, making it easier to adjust the balance of suction resistance between the first and second portions.

1 is a diagram showing a smoking system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the flavor-generating article. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article. FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the tip plug. FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an example of a distal plug with the second portion contracted. FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an example of a distal plug with the second portion contracted. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article according to another embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a smoking system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the smoking system 100 has a flavor-generating article 110 having a flavor source, and a flavor inhaler 120 that heats the flavor-generating article 110. Air inhaled by a user is guided into the user's oral cavity in the order of, for example, air flow 100A, air flow 100C, and air flow 100B. In other words, the smoking system 100 shown in Figure 1 has a so-called counterflow type air flow path.

The flavor generating article 110 is a substrate containing a flavor source such as tobacco capable of generating a smokable flavor, and has, for example, a columnar shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The flavor generating article 110 may be, for example, a tobacco stick. The flavor generating article 110 may have a cylindrical shape, a columnar shape with a polygonal cross section, or a flattened shape. In this specification, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to the length direction of the flavor generating article 110, or the direction in which the tip plug 112 and flavor generating section 220, described below, are adjacent to each other.

The flavor inhaler 120 has a battery 10, a control unit 20, and a heating unit 30. The battery 10 stores the power used by the flavor inhaler 120. For example, the battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

The control unit 20 is composed of a CPU, memory, etc., and controls the operation of the flavor inhaler 120, including the heating unit 30. For example, the control unit 20 starts heating the flavor generating article 110 in response to user operation of an input device such as a push button or slide switch (not shown), and stops heating the flavor generating article 110 after a certain period of time has passed. The control unit 20 may stop heating the flavor generating article 110 even before a certain period of time has passed since heating of the flavor generating article 110 began if the number of puffs performed by the user exceeds a certain value. For example, puffing is detected by a sensor (not shown).

Alternatively, the control unit 20 may start heating the flavor-generating article 110 in response to the start of a puffing action, and may end heating the flavor-generating article 110 in response to the end of the puffing action. The control unit 20 may also end heating the flavor-generating article 110 when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of the puffing action, even before the end of the puffing action. In an embodiment, the control unit 20 is disposed between the battery 10 and the heating unit 30, and suppresses heat transfer from the heating unit 30 to the battery 10.

The heating unit 30 comprises a chamber 32 extending in the longitudinal direction, and a heating source 40 (corresponding to an example of a heating element) that surrounds a portion of the chamber 32. The chamber 32 has a cylindrical shape that houses the flavor-generating product 110. The chamber 32 may also have an elliptical shape, having a major axis and a minor axis in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 120. The chamber 32 is preferably formed from a heat-resistant material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and may be formed from, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, a resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic, etc.

The heat source 40 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 32 and heat the flavor-generating article 110 contained in the chamber 32. Specifically, the heat source 40 is configured to heat the flavor source 221 (described below) and the tip plug 112 of the flavor-generating article 110 via the chamber 32. The heat source 40 may be a sheet-shaped heater. The heat source 40 may include a heat-generating portion that generates heat and an electrode portion that essentially conducts electricity to the heat-generating portion. The heat source 40 may be provided so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 32, or may be provided on the inner surface of the chamber 32. Here, the longitudinal length of the heat source 40 is, for example, 10 mm. As an example, it is also possible to provide a susceptor inside or adjacent to the flavor-generating article 110, and to arrange an induction coil for inductively heating the susceptor instead of the heat source 40.

The smoking system 100 shown in Figure 1 has a so-called counterflow type air flow path, but is not limited to this. It may also have a so-called bottom flow type air flow path in which air is supplied from the bottom of the heating unit 30 to the interior of the heating unit 30 and the flavor-generating article 110.

2 is an exploded perspective view of the flavor generating article 110. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110. Specifically, FIG. 3(a) is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flavor generating article 110. FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line b-b in FIG. 3(a). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3(a), the flavor generating article 110 comprises a flavor generating section 220 that generates a flavor, and a tip plug 112 (corresponding to an example of an upstream section) that is positioned upstream of the flavor generating section 220. More specifically, in the illustrated example, the flavor generating article 110 comprises, in order from the tip side (i.e., the side opposite the mouthpiece), the tip plug 112, the flavor generating section 220, a hollow tube section 132, a hollow filter section 240, and a filter plug 250. These five components are connected using an outer plug wrap 280, an outer plug wrap 260, and tipping paper 270.

The resistance of draw in the longitudinal direction per flavor-generating article 110 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of ease of draw, it is typically 8 _mmH2O or more, preferably 10 _mmH2O or more, more preferably ₁₂ mmH2O or more, and typically 150 _mmH2O or less, preferably 100 _mmH2O or less, more preferably 80 _mmH2O or less, and even more preferably 60 _mmH2O or less. Specifically, for example, the resistance of draw of flavor-generating article 110 is preferably 30 _mmH2O or more and 150 _mmH2O or less. In this case, a comfortable resistance of draw can be provided to the user. The resistance of draw is measured in accordance with the ISO standard method (ISO6565:2015) using, for example, a filter resistance of draw measuring device manufactured by Cerulean Co., Ltd. The resistance to draw refers to the difference in air pressure between the first end face and the second end face when a predetermined air flow rate (17.5 cc/sec) of air flows from one end face (first end face) to the other end face (second end face) without air permeation through the side faces of the flavor-generating article 110. The unit is generally expressed in mmH ₂ O. It is known that the relationship between the resistance to draw and the length of a non-combustion heat-not-burn tobacco is proportional within the normally used length range (5 mm to 200 mm), and the resistance to draw of the non-combustion heat-not-burn tobacco doubles if the length is doubled.

The stick-shaped flavor generating article 110 preferably has a columnar shape that satisfies the aspect ratio defined below as 1 or greater.
Aspect ratio = h/w
w is the width of the bottom surface of the columnar body (in this specification, this is the width of the bottom surface on the flavor generating section 220 side), and h is the height, and it is preferable that h≧w. In this specification, the long axis direction is defined as the direction indicated by h. Therefore, even if w≧h, the direction indicated by h will be referred to as the long axis direction for convenience. The shape of the bottom surface is not limited and may be polygonal, rounded polygonal, circular, elliptical, or the like. The width w is the diameter if the bottom surface is circular, the major axis if it is elliptical, or the diameter of the circumscribing circle or the major axis of the circumscribing ellipse if the bottom surface is polygonal or rounded polygonal.

The length h of the flavor-generating article 110 in the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited, and is, for example, typically 40 mm or more, preferably 45 mm or more, and more preferably 50 mm or more. It is also typically 100 mm or less, preferably 90 mm or less, and more preferably 80 mm or less.

The width w of the bottom surface of the columnar body of the flavor-generating article 110 is not particularly limited, and is typically 5 mm or more, and preferably 5.5 mm or more. It is also typically 10 mm or less, preferably 9 mm or less, and more preferably 8 mm or less.

The ratio (hollow tube portion 132:filter segment) of the length of the hollow tube portion 132 and the filter segment (total length of the hollow filter portion 240 and filter plug 250) to the longitudinal length of the flavor generating article 110 is not particularly limited, but from the standpoint of the amount of flavor delivered and the appropriate aerosol temperature, it is typically 0.60-1.40:0.60-1.40, preferably 0.80-1.20:0.80-1.20, more preferably 0.85-1.15:0.85-1.15, even more preferably 0.90-1.10:0.90-1.10, and particularly preferably 0.95-1.05:0.95-1.05. By keeping the length ratio of the hollow tube portion 132 and the filter segments (hollow filter portion 240 and filter plug 250) within the above range, it is possible to achieve a cooling effect, reduce losses due to adhesion of generated steam and aerosol to the inner wall of the hollow tube portion 132, and balance the filter's air volume and flavor adjustment functions to provide a good and strong flavor. In particular, if the hollow tube portion 132 is made longer, the aerosol and other particles will be more easily broken down, resulting in a good flavor, but if it is too long, substances passing through will adhere to the inner wall.

The flavor generating section 220 is disposed adjacent to and downstream of the tip plug 112. The flavor generating section 220 comprises a flavor source 221 and cigarette paper 222 around which the flavor source 221 is wrapped. The form of the flavor generating section 220 is not particularly limited as long as it is a known form, but typically, the flavor source 221 is wrapped in cigarette paper 222. The flavor source 221 is wrapped in cigarette paper 222 so that it faces inward to form the flavor generating section 220. If there are no manufacturing issues, the cigarette paper 222 may be omitted from the flavor generating section 220. The flavor source 221 may contain a tobacco filler. The tobacco filler is not particularly limited, and the first tobacco filler or the second tobacco filler described below may be used. Furthermore, in this specification, dried tobacco molded products such as tobacco shreds, tobacco sheets, tobacco granules, etc. described below may sometimes be simply referred to as "dried tobacco leaves." The flavor generating unit 220 may also have a fitting portion for engaging with a heat source 40 for heating the tobacco product.

The flavor generating section 220, which is formed by wrapping the flavor source 221 in wrapping paper 222, preferably has a columnar shape. In this case, it is preferable that the aspect ratio, which is expressed as the height of the flavor generating section 220 in the major axis direction relative to the width of the bottom surface of the flavor generating section 220, is 1 or greater. The shape of the bottom surface is not limited and may be polygonal, rounded polygonal, circular, elliptical, etc. The width of the bottom surface is the diameter if the bottom surface is circular, the major axis if the bottom surface is elliptical, and the diameter of the circumscribing circle or the major axis of the circumscribing ellipse if the bottom surface is polygonal or rounded polygonal.

The length of the flavor generating section 220 in the longitudinal direction can be adjusted appropriately to suit the size of the product, but is typically 10 mm or more, preferably 12 mm or more, and typically 70 mm or less, preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 30 mm or less, even more preferably 25 mm or less, and even more preferably 20 mm or less.

Furthermore, the ratio of the length of the flavor generating section 220 to the overall length in the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 110 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of the balance between the delivery amount and the aerosol temperature, it is usually 10% or more, preferably 20% or more, and usually 80% or less, preferably 70% or less, more preferably 60% or less, even more preferably 50% or less, particularly preferably 45% or less, and most preferably 40% or less.

The content of dried tobacco leaves in the flavor generating section 220 is not particularly limited, but examples include 150 mg or more and 800 mg or less per rod part, and preferably 200 mg or more and 600 mg or less per rod part.

First, the first tobacco filler (also simply referred to as the "first filler") will be described. The material of the tobacco shreds contained in the first filler is not particularly limited, and known materials such as lamina or ribs can be used. The tobacco shreds may be produced by grinding dried tobacco leaves to an average particle size of 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less to produce tobacco grounds, homogenizing the grounds, processing them into sheets, and then shredding the homogenized sheets. Furthermore, the tobacco shreds may be of the so-called strand type, in which a homogenized sheet having a length approximately the same as the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating section 220 is shredded approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating section 220 and filled into the cigarette paper 222. The width of the tobacco shreds is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less in order to be filled into the cigarette paper 222.

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

The moisture content of the tobacco filler is, for example, between 10% and 15% by weight, and preferably between 11% and 13% by weight, relative to the total amount of the tobacco filler. This moisture content suppresses the occurrence of stains on the surface of the tobacco and improves the suitability of the flavor generating unit 220 for rolling during manufacture. There are no particular restrictions on the size of the tobacco shreds contained in the first tobacco filler or the method of preparing them. For example, dried tobacco leaves shredded to a width of between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm may be used for the first tobacco filler. Furthermore, when using a ground homogenized sheet, dried tobacco leaves may be ground to an average particle size of approximately 20 μm to 200 μm, homogenized, processed into a sheet, and then shredded to a width of between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm for use in the first tobacco filler.

The first tobacco filler may contain an aerosol base that generates an aerosol. The type of aerosol base is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and/or their constituent components can be selected depending on the application. Examples of aerosol bases include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

The content of the aerosol base material in the first tobacco filler is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of generating sufficient aerosol and imparting a good flavor, it is usually 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, and usually 50% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less, of the total amount of the tobacco filler.

The first tobacco filler may contain a flavoring. The type of flavoring is not particularly limited, and examples of flavorings that can be used to impart a good flavor 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 oil, and the like. Solute, 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, cocoa, 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, ethyl 2-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, gene absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene Sen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, inmortell absolute, beta-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, lovage root oil, maltol, 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, Honey syrup, 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 guaieto ethanol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, 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- Examples of suitable fragrances include 2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-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, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), and ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate (WS-5), with menthol being particularly preferred. These fragrances may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The content of flavoring in the first tobacco filler is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, it is usually 10,000 ppm or more, preferably 20,000 ppm or more, more preferably 25,000 ppm or more, and usually 70,000 ppm or less, preferably 50,000 ppm or less, more preferably 40,000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 33,000 ppm or less.

The packing density of the first tobacco packing is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of ensuring the performance of the flavor generating article 110 and imparting a good flavor, it is usually 250 mg/ ^cm3 or more, preferably 300 mg/ ^cm3 or more, and is usually 400 mg/ ^cm3 or less, preferably 350 mg/ ^cm3 or less.

The second tobacco filler is composed of a tobacco sheet packed into a filler (e.g., cigarette paper 222). The number of tobacco sheets may be one or more. When the second tobacco filler is composed of a single tobacco sheet, for example, it may be packed in a state where a tobacco sheet with one side having a length approximately equal to the longitudinal direction of the filler is folded multiple times along folds approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the filler (so-called gathered sheet). Another example of the above is a state where a tobacco sheet with one side having a length approximately equal to the longitudinal direction of the filler is packed in a state where it is wound around the longitudinal axis of the filler.

In cases where the second tobacco filler is composed of two or more tobacco sheets, for example, multiple tobacco sheets, one side of which has a length approximately the same as the longitudinal axis of the filler, are packed in a state where they are wound around the longitudinal axis of the filler so that they are arranged concentrically. "Arranged concentrically" means that the centers of all the tobacco sheets are located at approximately the same position. The number of tobacco sheets is not particularly limited, but examples include two, three, four, five, six, or seven. The two or more tobacco sheets may all have the same composition or physical properties, or some or all of the tobacco sheets may have different compositions or physical properties. The thickness of each tobacco sheet may be the same or different.

The second tobacco filler can be manufactured by preparing multiple tobacco sheets of different widths, stacking them so that the width decreases from the bottom to the top, and then passing this through a rolling tube to roll and shape it. According to this manufacturing method, the multiple tobacco sheets extend in the longitudinal direction and are arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis. A fitting portion extending in the longitudinal direction may also be formed between the longitudinal axis and the innermost tobacco sheet.

In this manufacturing method, the laminate is preferably prepared so that non-contact portions are formed between adjacent tobacco sheets after rolling. The presence of non-contact portions (gaps) between multiple tobacco sheets where the tobacco sheets do not come into contact ensures flavor flow paths, improving the delivery efficiency of flavor components. On the other hand, heat from the heater can be transferred to the outer tobacco sheets via the contact portions of the multiple tobacco sheets, ensuring high heat transfer efficiency. Methods for providing non-contact portions where the tobacco sheets do not come into contact between multiple tobacco sheets include, for example, using embossed tobacco sheets, stacking adjacent tobacco sheets without bonding their entire surfaces together, bonding adjacent tobacco sheets together in part, or preparing a laminate by lightly bonding adjacent tobacco sheets together in part or all of them so that they can be peeled off after rolling. When preparing a flavor-generating portion 220 including cigarette paper 222, the cigarette paper 222 may be placed at the bottom of the laminate. Alternatively, a cylindrical dummy such as a mandrel can be placed on top of the laminate to form the second tobacco filler, and then the dummy can be removed to form the fitting portion.

The packing density of the second tobacco filler is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of ensuring the performance of the flavor generating article 110 and imparting a good flavor, it is usually 250 mg/ ^cm3 or more, preferably 300 mg/ ^cm3 or more, and is usually 400 mg/ ^cm3 or less, preferably 350 mg/ ^cm3 or less.

The tobacco sheet may contain an aerosol base material that generates an aerosol when heated. The aerosol base material is an aerosol source such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or a polyol such as 1,3-butanediol. The amount of such aerosol base material added is preferably 5% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less, and more preferably 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less, based on the dry weight of the tobacco sheet.

Tobacco sheets can be manufactured appropriately using known methods such as papermaking, slurry, rolling, etc. Note that the homogenized sheet described in the first tobacco filler can also be used. In the case of papermaking, they can be manufactured using a method including the following steps: 1) Dried tobacco leaves are coarsely crushed and extracted with water to separate them into an aqueous extract and a residue. 2) The aqueous extract is dried and concentrated under reduced pressure. 3) Pulp is added to the residue, which is then fiberized in a refiner and made into paper. 4) The concentrated aqueous extract is added to the paper-made sheet and dried to produce a tobacco sheet. In this case, a step of removing some components such as nitrosamines may be added (see JP 2004-510422 A). In the case of the slurry method, they can be manufactured using a method including the following steps: 1) Water, pulp, and a binder are mixed with crushed tobacco leaves. 2) The mixture is thinly spread (cast) and dried. In this case, a step may be added in which a slurry of water, pulp, binder, and crushed tobacco leaves is irradiated with ultraviolet light or X-rays to remove some of the components, such as nitrosamines.

In addition, as described in WO 2014/104078, a nonwoven tobacco sheet can also be used, which is produced by a method comprising the following steps: 1) mixing powdered tobacco leaves with a binder; 2) sandwiching the mixture between nonwoven fabrics; and 3) forming the layered product into a fixed shape by heat welding to obtain a nonwoven tobacco sheet. The raw tobacco leaves used in each of the above methods can be of the same type as those described for the first filler.

The composition of the tobacco sheet is not particularly limited, but for example, the content of tobacco raw material (tobacco leaves) is preferably 50% by weight or more and 95% by weight or less relative to the total weight of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may also contain a binder, such as guar gum, xanthan gum, CMC (carboxymethylcellulose), CMC-Na (sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose), etc. The amount of binder is preferably 1% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less relative to the total weight of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may also contain other additives. Examples of additives include fillers such as pulp. In this embodiment, multiple tobacco sheets are used, and these may all have the same composition or physical properties, or some or all of the tobacco sheets may have different compositions or physical properties.

There are no restrictions on the thickness of each tobacco sheet, but in terms of the balance between heat transfer efficiency and strength, a thickness of 150 μm or more and 1000 μm or less is preferred, and a thickness of 200 μm or more and 600 μm or less is even more preferred. The thickness of each tobacco sheet may be the same or different.

The flavor generating unit 220 may contain dried tobacco leaves (dried tobacco leaves) and a flavor-containing material in which a flavor is encapsulated in a polysaccharide gel. The flavor-containing material is a material in which a flavor is encapsulated in a polysaccharide gel. By incorporating the flavor-containing material into the flavor generating unit 220, variation in the amount of flavor delivered per puff is suppressed from the early to late stages of a smoking session, allowing for a continuous, satisfactory flavor. The inventors speculate that the reason for this is as follows: First, the flavor generating article 110 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 120 shown in FIG. 1 and preheated for a certain period before smoking begins. If a flavor is directly incorporated into the flavor generating unit 220, the flavor volatilizes during preheating, and most of it is delivered in the early stage of the smoking session, which is thought to result in an insufficient amount of flavor being delivered in the later stages of the smoking session. In contrast, when a flavor-containing material is incorporated into the flavor generating unit 220, the flavor is coated with a polysaccharide gel, which suppresses the evaporation of the flavor during preheating and allows the flavor to be gradually released during smoking. Therefore, it is believed that a sufficient amount of flavor can be delivered even in the latter stages of a smoking session.

The ingredients of the fragrance-containing material are explained below. The type of fragrance is not particularly limited, and examples of fragrances that can be used to impart a good fragrance note 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, and carob absolute. Lute, 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, cocoa, 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- , 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-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, gene absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene 1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, inmortell absolute, β-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, lovage root oil, maltol, 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, Honey syrup, 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 guaieto ethanol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, 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- Examples of suitable flavorings include 2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-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, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), and ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate (WS-5), with menthol being particularly preferred. These flavorings may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The content of fragrance in the fragrance-containing material will vary depending on the type of fragrance, the type of polysaccharide, etc., but is usually 18% by mass or more, preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, and is usually 90% by mass or less, preferably 80% by mass or less.

The type of polysaccharide is not particularly limited, but is preferably a single-component system of carrageenan, agar, gellan gum, tamarind gum, psyllium seed gum, or konjac glucomannan; or a composite system combining 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. These polysaccharides gel simply by heating them in aqueous solution to 30°C to 90°C, eliminating the need for gelling reagents such as metal chlorides when preparing the flavor-containing material, and are therefore preferred in that they do not generate undesirable components in mainstream smoke during smoking, such as decomposition products of chlorides.

The fragrance-containing material may contain an emulsifier used to emulsify the raw materials during its preparation. There are no particular limitations on the type of emulsifier, and examples include lecithin, glycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, and sucrose fatty acid esters, with lecithin being preferred. These emulsifiers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The method for preparing the fragrance-containing material is not particularly limited, and the material can be prepared by a method similar to a known method. Known methods include those described in WO 2011/118040, JP 2013-099349, WO 2012/118034, etc. More specifically, the fragrance-containing material can be prepared, for example, by a method including the following steps (i) and (ii):
(i) a step of preparing an aqueous solution of a polysaccharide by heating a mixture of a polysaccharide and water to a temperature of typically 30°C to 90°C, preferably 60°C to 90°C; and (ii) a step of adding a flavoring agent and, if necessary, an emulsifier to the aqueous solution and kneading the mixture to obtain an emulsion slurry.

The content of the flavor-containing material in the flavor generating unit 220 depends on the content of the flavor in the flavor-containing material, but is typically 1% by mass or more, preferably 5% by mass or more, and typically 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, relative to the dried tobacco leaf. Furthermore, the flavor generating unit 220 contains a flavor-containing material such that the content of the flavor contained in the flavor-containing material is typically 1 mg or more, preferably 5 mg or more, more preferably 10 mg or more, and typically 30 mg or less, preferably 20 mg or less. By keeping the content of the flavor-containing material in the flavor generating unit 220 within the above range, not only can a good flavor note be imparted, but variation in the amount of flavor delivered from puff to puff from the early to late stages of a smoking session can be reduced, and a sufficient amount of flavor can be delivered in all three stages of a smoking session.

The manner in which the flavor-containing material is blended into the flavor generating section 220 is not particularly limited, and the flavor-containing material may be placed inside and/or outside the wrapping paper 222 that wraps the flavor source 221, the wrapping paper 222 may be impregnated with the flavor-containing material, or the flavor source 221 may be blended with the flavor-containing material. When the flavor-containing material is placed inside and/or outside the wrapping paper 222 that wraps the flavor source 221, the emulsion slurry may be applied to the wrapping paper 222, or the emulsion slurry may be sequentially cast onto a substrate and dried to form a flavor-containing sheet, which is then wrapped around the flavor source 221 together with the wrapping paper. The wrapping paper 222 impregnated with the flavor-containing material can be produced by impregnating the wrapping paper 222 with the emulsion slurry and drying it. Furthermore, when a flavor-containing material is blended into the flavor source 221, the emulsion slurry may be applied to or impregnated into dried tobacco leaves, or the flavor-containing sheet or its shredded or pulverized form may be mixed with dried tobacco.

The flavor source 221 may be block-shaped or, for example, cylindrical. If the flavor source 221 is cylindrical, a gap may be formed inside the flavor source 221, extending in the direction in which the flavor source 221 and the tip plug 112 are adjacent. In this case, the flavor source 221 is located outside the flavor-generating article 110, and the gap is located inside the flavor source 221. Therefore, when the flavor-generating article 110 is heated from the outside in the flavor inhaler 120, the flavor source 221 can be heated efficiently. Furthermore, when using a flavor inhaler 120 that heats the flavor-generating article 110 from the outside, the flavor source 221 is not located inside the flavor-generating article 110, which is a position where heat is not easily transmitted and which is unlikely to contribute to the generation of vapor or aerosol. This makes it possible to conserve the amount of flavor source 221 while suppressing a decrease in the amount of vapor or aerosol. The cylindrical flavor source 221 may be formed, for example, by rolling a sheet-shaped flavor source 221 into a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, as described below, the flavor generating unit 220 (flavor source 221) has a block-shaped first flavor source 221a and a cylindrical second flavor source 221b.

The composition of the cigarette paper 222 used in the flavor-generating product 110 is not particularly limited and can be of any common type. Specifically, for example, the cigarette paper can be primarily made of pulp. Pulp can be wood pulp such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, esparto, or other pulps commonly used in cigarette paper for tobacco products, and the cigarette paper can be obtained by papermaking using one or more of these pulps. These pulps can be used alone or in combination of multiple types in any ratio. Pulp can be chemical pulp obtained by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, soda cooking, etc., ground pulp, chemi-ground pulp, thermomechanical pulp, etc.

The above pulp can be used in the papermaking process using a Fourdrinier paper machine, a cylinder paper machine, or a combined cylinder/short-cylinder paper machine to produce cigarette paper with a uniform and even texture. If necessary, a wet strength agent can be added to the cigarette paper to make it water-resistant, or a sizing agent can be added to adjust the printing quality of the cigarette paper. Furthermore, internal papermaking aids and papermaking additives can be added to the cigarette paper. Internal papermaking aids can include, for example, aluminum sulfate, various anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric retention aids, drainage aids, and paper strength agents. Papermaking additives can include, for example, dyes, pH adjusters, antifoaming agents, pitch control agents, slime control agents, and the like.

The basis weight of the base paper for the cigarette paper is, for example, typically 30 gsm or more, and preferably 35 gsm or more. Meanwhile, the basis weight is typically 70 gsm or less, preferably 50 gsm or less, and more preferably 45 gsm or less. The thickness of cigarette paper having the above characteristics is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40 μm or more from the viewpoints of rigidity, breathability, and ease of adjustment during papermaking, and is typically 100 μm or less, preferably 75 μm or less, and more preferably 60 μm or less. The shape of the cigarette paper for the flavor-generating product 110 may be square or rectangular. In the case of cigarette paper 222 for wrapping flavor source 221 (for producing flavor-generating section 220), the length of one side of cigarette paper 222 may be approximately 12 mm to 70 mm, and the length of the other side (the side connected to the above side) may be 15 mm to 28 mm, preferably 22 mm to 24 mm, and more preferably approximately 23 mm.

When wrapping the flavor source 221 in the wrapping paper 222 in a cylindrical shape, for example, the end of the wrapping paper 222 in the width direction and the end on the opposite side can be overlapped by about 2 mm and glued together. This gives the wrapping paper 222 a cylindrical paper tube shape, into which the flavor source 221 is filled. The size of the rectangular wrapping paper 222 can be determined depending on the size of the flavor generating unit 220. In the case of wrapping paper that connects and wraps the flavor generating unit 220 and other components adjacent to the flavor generating unit 220, the length of one side can be 20 mm to 60 mm, and the length of the other side (the side connected to the above side) can be 15 mm to 28 mm.

In addition to the above-mentioned pulp, the cigarette paper may contain a filler. The filler content may be from 10% to less than 60% by weight, and preferably from 15% to 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the cigarette paper. When the basis weight of the cigarette paper is within the preferred range (from 35 gsm to 50 gsm), the filler content is preferably from 15% to 45% by weight. Furthermore, when the basis weight of the cigarette paper is more than 35 gsm to 50 gsm, the filler content is preferably from 25% to 45% by weight. Calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin, etc. can be used as the filler, but calcium carbonate is preferably used from the perspective of enhancing flavor and whiteness, etc.

Various auxiliary agents other than base paper and fillers may be added to the cigarette paper. For example, a water resistance improver can be added to the cigarette paper to improve water resistance. Water resistance improvers may include wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents. Wet strength agents may include, for example, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine formaldehyde resin, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE). Sizing agents may also include, for example, rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or more. A paper strength agent may also be added to the cigarette paper as an auxiliary agent. Paper strength agents may include, for example, polyacrylamide, cationic starch, oxidized starch, CMC, polyamide epichlorohydrin resin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In particular, it is known that using extremely small amounts of oxidized starch as an auxiliary agent in wrapping paper can improve breathability (see, for example, JP 2017-218699 A).

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

As shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), the tip plug 112 is located at the tip of the flavor-generating article 110 and is configured to cover the end of the flavor source 221. This prevents the flavor source 221 from falling out of the flavor-generating article 110. Specifically, the tip plug 112 includes a first filter material 211 and a first inner plug wrap 212 that wraps around the first filter material 211. The tip plug 112 may further include an aerosol source supported by the first filter material 211.

The length of the tip plug 112 in the longitudinal direction may be 1 mm or more, preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and may be 10 mm or less, preferably 8 mm or less. The tip plug 112 is manufactured to a predetermined length and can then be cut to any desired length. If the tip plug 112 is less than 1 mm long, it may not be able to maintain its shape when cut, and there is a risk of deformation, such as crushing. If the length of the tip plug 112 in the longitudinal direction is 1 mm or more, the tip plug 112 can be manufactured relatively easily.

The material of the first inner plug wrap 212 is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used. The first inner plug wrap 212 may contain fillers such as calcium carbonate. The thickness of the first inner plug wrap 212 is not particularly limited, and is typically 20 μm to 140 μm, preferably 30 μm to 130 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 120 μm. The basis weight of the first inner plug wrap 212 is not particularly limited, and is typically 20 gsm to 100 gsm, preferably 22 gsm to 95 gsm, and more preferably 23 gsm to 90 gsm. The first inner plug wrap 212 may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material from the perspective of imparting functions other than strength and structural rigidity.

As shown in FIG. 2, the flavor-generating article 110 preferably has a downstream section 130 arranged downstream of the flavor source 221. In this case, the downstream section 130 can cool and filter the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source 221. Specifically, the downstream section 130 preferably includes a filter plug 250. This allows the filter plug 250 to cool and filter the vapor or aerosol generated in the flavor source.

The filter plug 250 is located at the end of the flavor-generating article 110 on the mouthpiece side. The filter plug 250 comprises a second filter material 251 and a second inner plug wrap 252 around which the second filter material 251 is wrapped. There are no particular restrictions on the filter material used for the second filter material 251, as long as it has the general filter function. Typical filter functions include, for example, adjusting the amount of air mixed in when inhaling aerosols, reducing flavors, and reducing nicotine and tar, but the filter material used for the second filter material 251 does not need to have all of these functions. Furthermore, in electrically heated tobacco products, which tend to produce fewer components and have a lower tobacco filler filling rate than cigarette products, one important function is to prevent the tobacco filler from falling out while suppressing filtering.

The shape of the filter plug 250 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is substantially circular. The diameter of the circle can be changed as appropriate to suit the size of the product, but is typically 4.0 mm to 9.0 mm, preferably 4.5 mm to 8.5 mm, and more preferably 5.0 mm to 8.0 mm. If the cross section of the filter plug 250 is not circular, the above diameter applies to the diameter of a circle having the same area as the area of the cross section.

The circumferential length of the filter plug 250 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be adjusted as needed to suit the size of the product, but is typically between 14.0 mm and 27.0 mm, preferably between 15.0 mm and 26.0 mm, and more preferably between 16.0 mm and 25.0 mm.

The longitudinal length of the filter plug 250 can be adjusted to suit the size of the product, but is typically between 15 mm and 35 mm, preferably between 17.5 mm and 32.5 mm, and more preferably between 20.0 mm and 30.0 mm. The shape and dimensions of the filter material used in the second filter material 251 can be adjusted as needed so that the shape and dimensions of the filter plug 250 fall within the above ranges.

The resistance to suction per 120 mm of longitudinal length of the filter plug 250 is not particularly limited, but is typically between ₄₀ mmH2O and 300 _mmH2O , preferably between 70 _mmH2O and 280 _mmH2O , and more preferably between ₉₀ mmH2O and 260 _mmH2O . The resistance to suction is measured in accordance with ISO standard method (ISO 6565), for example, using a filter resistance to suction measuring device manufactured by Cerulean. The resistance to suction of the filter plug 250 refers to the air pressure difference between the first end face and the second end face when air is flowed at a predetermined air flow rate (17.5 cc/sec) from one end face (first end face) to the other end face (second end face) without air permeation through the side faces of the filter plug 250. It is generally expressed in _mmH2O . It is known that the relationship between the suction resistance of the filter plug 250 and the length of the filter plug 250 is proportional within the length range typically used (5 mm to 200 mm), and if the length is doubled, the suction resistance of the filter plug 250 doubles.

The filter material constituting the second filter material 251 of the filter plug 250 may be manufactured using the manufacturing method described below, or may be a commercially available product. The form of the filter plug 250 is not particularly limited, and it can be a plain filter including a single filter segment, or a multi-segment filter including multiple filter segments, such as a dual filter or triple filter.

The filter plug 250 can be manufactured using known methods. For example, when synthetic fibers such as cellulose acetate tow are used as the material for the second filter medium 251, it can be manufactured by spinning a polymer solution containing a polymer and a solvent and then crimping the resultant. For example, the method described in International Publication No. 2013/067511 can be used as this method. In manufacturing the filter plug 250, the suction resistance and additives added to the second filter medium 251 (known adsorbents or fragrances (e.g., menthol), granular activated carbon, fragrance-retaining materials, etc.) can be designed as appropriate.

The second filter material 251 constituting the filter plug 250 is not particularly limited in form, and known forms may be employed. For example, cellulose acetate tow processed into a cylindrical shape can be used as the second filter material 251. The single-filament fineness and total fineness of the cellulose acetate tow are not particularly limited, but for a filter plug 250 with a circumference of 22 mm, the single-filament fineness is preferably 5 g/9000 m or more and 12 g/9000 m or less, and the total fineness is preferably 12,000 g/9000 m or more and 35,000 g/9000 m or less. Examples of cross-sectional shapes of the cellulose acetate tow fibers include circular, elliptical, Y-shaped, I-shaped, and R-shaped. In the case of a filter filled with cellulose acetate tow, triacetin may be added in an amount of 5 wt. % or more and 10 wt. % or less based on the weight of the cellulose acetate tow to improve filter hardness. Additionally, a paper filter filled with sheet-shaped pulp paper may be used instead of the acetate filter.

The density of the second filter material 251 is not particularly limited, but is typically 0.10 g/cm ³ or more and 0.25 g/cm ³ or less, preferably 0.11 g/cm ³ or more and 0.24 g/cm ³ or less, and more preferably 0.12 g/cm ³ or more and 0.23 g/cm ³ or less.

In order to improve strength and structural rigidity, the filter plug 250 may include a second inner plug wrap 252 (wrap paper) around which the second filter medium 251 described below is wrapped. The form of the second inner plug wrap 252 is not particularly limited, and it may include one or more rows of seams containing adhesive. The adhesive is not particularly limited, but may include a vinyl acetate adhesive or a hot melt adhesive, and the hot melt adhesive may further include polyvinyl alcohol. Furthermore, when the filter segment consists of two or more segments, it is preferable that the second inner plug wrap 252 wraps these two or more segments together.

The material of the second inner plug wrap 252 is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used, and may contain fillers such as calcium carbonate. The thickness of the second inner plug wrap 252 is not particularly limited, and is typically 20 μm to 140 μm, preferably 30 μm to 130 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 120 μm. The basis weight of the second inner plug wrap 252 is not particularly limited, and is typically 20 gsm to 100 gsm, preferably 22 gsm to 95 gsm, and more preferably 23 gsm to 90 gsm. The second inner plug wrap 252 may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material from the perspective of imparting functions other than strength and structural rigidity.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), the hollow filter portion 240 and the filter plug 250 may be connected by, for example, an outer plug wrap 260 (outer wrapping paper). The outer plug wrap 260 may be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper.

The second filter medium 251 may include a crushable additive release container (e.g., a capsule) that includes a crushable outer shell made of gelatin or the like. The form of the capsule (also referred to in the art as an "additive release container") is not particularly limited, and any known form may be adopted. For example, a crushable additive release container that includes a crushable outer shell made of gelatin or the like may be adopted. In this case, when the capsule is broken by a user of the tobacco product before, during, or after use, it releases a liquid or substance (typically a flavoring agent) contained within the capsule, which is then transmitted to tobacco smoke while the tobacco product is being used, and to the surrounding environment after use.

The capsule form is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a frangible capsule, preferably spherical in shape. The additive contained in the capsule may include any of the additives described above, and preferably includes flavorings and activated carbon. One or more materials that help filter smoke may also be added as additives. The form of the additive is not particularly limited, but is typically liquid or solid. The use of capsules containing additives is well known in the art. Frangible capsules and methods for manufacturing them are well known in the art. The flavoring may be, for example, menthol, spearmint, peppermint, fenugreek, clove, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), etc. The flavoring may be menthol, or menthol, etc., or a combination thereof.

In this embodiment, a flavoring may be added to the second filter material 251. By adding a flavoring to the second filter material 251, the amount of flavor delivered during use is increased compared to conventional techniques in which flavoring is added to the tobacco filler that constitutes the tobacco rod. The degree of increase in the amount of flavor delivered is further increased depending on the position of the openings provided in the hollow tube portion 132, which will be described later. There are no particular restrictions on the method of adding flavoring to the second filter material 251; it is sufficient that the flavoring is added so that it is dispersed approximately uniformly throughout the second filter material 251 to which the flavoring is to be added. The amount of flavoring added to the second filter material 251 can be 10 to 100 volume percent of the second filter material 251. The flavoring may be added to the second filter material 251 in advance before the filter segments are constructed, or after the filter cigarette is constructed.

The type of fragrance is not particularly limited, and examples of fragrances that can be used to impart a pleasant flavor 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, and carob oil. 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, cocoa, 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, ethyl 2-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, gene absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene Xen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, inmortell absolute, beta-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, lovage root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, paramethoxybenzaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolyl keto , methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, honey, 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, propenylguaiete ethanol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, 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- Examples of suitable fragrances include 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-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, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), and ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate (WS-5), with menthol being particularly preferred. These fragrances may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The filter plug 250 of this embodiment includes a second filter medium 251, and activated carbon may be added to at least a portion of the second filter medium 251. The amount of activated carbon added may be 15.0 m 2 /cm 2 or more and 80.0 m ² /cm ² or less, as calculated by multiplying the specific surface area of the activated carbon by the weight of the activated carbon and the cross-sectional area of the second filter medium 251 perpendicular to the airflow direction, per flavor-generating article ^{110. For} convenience, the above-mentioned "specific surface area of the activated carbon by the weight of the activated carbon and the cross-sectional area of the second filter medium 251 perpendicular to the airflow direction" may be referred to as the "surface area of the activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area." This surface area of the activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be calculated based on the specific surface area of the activated carbon added to the second filter medium 251 of one flavor-generating article 110, the weight of the added activated carbon, and the cross-sectional area of the second filter medium 251. Note that activated carbon may not be uniformly dispersed in the filter medium to which it is added, and it is not required that the above range be satisfied in all cross sections (cross sections perpendicular to the air flow direction) of the filter medium.

In this embodiment, by having the surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area within the above range, the components generated by heating can be delivered to the user in the desired amount and the user can be given the desired flavor sensation. If the surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is smaller than the lower limit of the above range, the effect of adding activated carbon cannot be fully obtained. On the other hand, if the surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is larger than the upper limit of the above range, the components generated by heating will be reduced more than necessary. The surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is more preferably 17.0 ^{m 2} /cm ² or more, and even more preferably 35.0 ^{m 2} /cm ² or more. On the other hand, it is more preferably 77.0 m ² /cm ² or less, and even more preferably 73.0 m ² /cm ² or less.

The surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the specific surface area of the activated carbon, the amount of activated carbon added, and the cross-sectional area of the second filter medium 251 in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction. The calculation of the surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is based on the filter medium to which activated carbon has been added. If the filter plug 250 is made up of multiple filter mediums, the cross-sectional area and length of only the filter medium to which activated carbon has been added are used as the basis.

Examples of activated carbon that can be used in this embodiment include those made from raw materials such as wood, bamboo, coconut shells, walnut shells, and coal. The activated carbon that can be used in this embodiment has a BET specific surface area of 1100 m ² /g or more and 1600 m ² /g or less, preferably 1200 m ² /g or more and 1500 m ² /g or less, and more preferably 1250 m ² /g or more and 1380 ^{m 2} /g or less. The BET specific surface area can be determined by nitrogen gas adsorption (BET multipoint method).

Furthermore, the activated carbon that can be used in this embodiment can have a pore volume of 400 μL/g or more and 800 μL/g or less, more preferably 500 μL/g or more and 750 μL/g or less, and even more preferably 600 μL/g or more and 700 μL/g or less. The pore volume can be calculated from the maximum adsorption amount obtained using the nitrogen gas adsorption method.

In this embodiment, the amount of activated carbon added per unit length in the airflow direction of the second filter medium 251 to which activated carbon has been added is preferably 5 mg/cm or more and 50 mg/cm or less, more preferably 8 mg/cm or more and 40 mg/cm or less, and even more preferably 10 mg/cm or more and 35 mg/cm or less. In this embodiment, by keeping the specific surface area of the activated carbon and the amount of activated carbon added within the above ranges, the surface area of the activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be adjusted as desired.

Furthermore, the activated carbon that can be used in this embodiment preferably has a cumulative 10% by volume particle diameter (particle diameter D10) of 250 μm or more and 1200 μm or less. Furthermore, the cumulative 50% by volume particle diameter (particle diameter D50) of the activated carbon particles is preferably 350 μm or more and 1500 μm or less. D10 and D50 are measured by a laser diffraction scattering method. An example of a suitable device for this measurement is the HORIBA Laser Diffraction/Scattering Particle Size Distribution Analyzer "LA-950." Powder is poured into the cell of this device together with pure water, and the particle diameter is detected based on the light scattering information of the particles. The measurement conditions using this device are as follows:
Measurement mode: Manual flow cell measurement Dispersion medium: Ion-exchanged water Dispersion method: Measured after 1 minute of ultrasonic irradiation Refractive index: 1.92-0.00i (sample refractive index) / 1.33-0.00i (dispersion medium refractive index)
Number of measurements: Measure twice using different samples

In this embodiment, there are no particular limitations on the method for adding activated carbon to the second filter medium 251; it is sufficient that the activated carbon is added so that it is dispersed approximately uniformly throughout the second filter medium 251 to which it is added.

The filter plug 250 may be, for example, a commercially available product. The form of the filter plug 250 is not particularly limited, and it can be a filter including a single filter segment, or a multi-segment filter including multiple filter segments, such as a dual filter or triple filter. When the filter plug 250 is composed of a single filter segment, the second filter medium 251 to which activated carbon is added constitutes the filter plug 250. When the filter plug 250 is composed of multiple filter segments, the second filter medium 251 to which activated carbon is added is preferably positioned upstream of the filter medium that constitutes the mouth end. Alternatively, activated carbon may be added to the filter medium that constitutes the mouth end. When the filter segment is a multi-segment filter, the length of the filter segment that serves as the basis for the amount of activated carbon to be added is the length of the filter medium to which activated carbon is added. The amount of activated carbon added is, for example, 4.0 mg to 24.0 mg, preferably 4.5 mg to 23.0 mg, and more preferably 10.5 mg to 22.0 mg, in weight relative to the entire filter segment.

The downstream section 130 may further include a hollow tube section 132 and a hollow filter section 240. The hollow filter section 240 is arranged adjacent to and downstream of the hollow tube section 132. The hollow filter section 240 includes a third filter material 241 and a third inner plug wrap 242 around which the third filter material 241 is wrapped. The third inner plug wrap 242 may be the same as the plug wrap used in cigarettes. The third inner plug wrap 242 may be omitted. The hollow filter section 240 may also be omitted.

The hollow filter section 240 may include a third filter material 241 having one or more hollow portions, and a third inner plug wrap 242 covering the third filter material 241. The hollow filter section 240 functions to increase the strength of the downstream section 130. The third filter material 241 may be, for example, a rod with an inner diameter of 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm, densely packed with cellulose acetate fibers and hardened with a triacetin-containing plasticizer added at a rate of 6% to 20% by mass relative to the mass of the cellulose acetate. Because the third filter material 241 has a high fiber packing density, during inhalation, air and aerosols flow only through the hollow portions, with almost no flow within the third filter material 241. Because the third filter material 241 inside the hollow filter section 240 is a fiber-packed layer, the feel from the outside during use is less likely to cause discomfort to the user.

The hollow filter section 240 may be provided with a third inner plug wrap 242 (wrap paper) around which the third filter material 241 is wrapped, in order to improve strength and structural rigidity. The form of the third inner plug wrap 242 is not particularly limited, and it may include one or more rows of seams containing adhesive. The type of adhesive is not particularly limited, but may include vinyl acetate adhesives and hot melt adhesives. The hot melt adhesive may include polyvinyl alcohol. Furthermore, when the hollow filter section 240 consists of two or more segments, it is preferable that the third inner plug wrap 242 be wrapped around these two or more segments together.

The material of the third inner plug wrap 242 is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used, and may contain fillers such as calcium carbonate. The thickness of the third inner plug wrap 242 is not particularly limited, and is typically 20 μm to 140 μm, preferably 30 μm to 130 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 120 μm. The basis weight of the third inner plug wrap 242 is not particularly limited, and is typically 20 gsm to 100 gsm, preferably 22 gsm to 95 gsm, and more preferably 23 gsm to 90 gsm. The third inner plug wrap 242 may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material from the perspective of imparting functions other than strength and structural rigidity.

The hollow tube portion 132 is sandwiched adjacent to the flavor generating portion 220 and the hollow filter portion 240 or the filter plug 250 (if the hollow filter portion 240 is not present), and is typically a rod-shaped member with a cavity such that the circumferential cross section of the hollow tube portion 132 is hollow (hollow). The longitudinal length of the hollow tube portion 132 can be adjusted appropriately to suit the size of the product, but is typically 15 mm or more, preferably 20 mm or more, and typically 40 mm or less, preferably 35 mm or less, and more preferably 30 mm or less. Setting the longitudinal length of the hollow tube portion 132 at or above the above lower limit ensures a sufficient cooling effect and allows for a good flavor, while setting it at or below the above upper limit reduces loss due to the generated vapor and aerosol adhering to the inner wall of the hollow tube portion 132.

When the hollow tube 132 is filled with a cooling sheet or the like (for example, a gathered polylactic acid sheet or the like), the total surface area of the hollow tube 132 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 300 mm ² /mm or more and 1000 mm ² /mm or less. This surface area is the surface area per mm of the length (mm) in the air passage direction of the hollow tube 132. The total surface area of the hollow tube 132 is preferably 400 mm ² /mm or more, and more preferably 450 mm ² /mm or more, and is preferably 600 mm ² /mm or less, and more preferably 550 mm ² /mm or less.

It is desirable for the hollow tube portion 132 to have an internal structure with a large total surface area. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the hollow tube portion 132 may be formed from a thin sheet of material that is wrinkled to form channels, and then pleated, gathered, and folded. The more folds or pleats there are in the hollow tube portion 132, the greater the total surface area of the hollow tube portion 132. The thickness of the material from which the hollow tube portion 132 is made is not particularly limited and may be, for example, from 5 μm to 500 μm, or from 10 μm to 250 μm.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), the hollow tube portion 132 may be provided with circumferential and concentric openings vf (also referred to in this technical field as ventilation filters). The presence of the openings vf allows air to flow into the hollow tube portion 132 from the outside during use, lowering the temperature of the components and air flowing in from the flavor generating section 220. The openings vf may be provided in an area 4 mm or more toward the hollow tube portion 132 from the boundary between the hollow tube portion 132 and the hollow filter portion 240 or filter plug 250 (if the hollow filter portion 240 is not present). In this case, the openings vf not only improve the cooling capacity of the hollow tube portion 132, but also suppress the retention of components generated by heating within the hollow tube portion 132, thereby improving the delivery amount of the components. Furthermore, when an aerosol base material is used in the flavor generating section 220, the vapor containing the aerosol base material and tobacco flavor components generated when the flavor generating article 110 is heated comes into contact with external air, lowering its temperature and liquefying, thereby accelerating the generation of the aerosol.

Furthermore, when the concentrically arranged openings vf are considered to be one opening group, there may be one opening group or two or more opening groups. When there are two or more opening groups, from the perspective of improving the delivery amount of components generated by heating, it is preferable not to provide opening groups in an area less than 4 mm toward the hollow tube section 132 from the boundary between the hollow tube section 132 and the hollow filter section 240 or filter plug 250 (when the hollow filter section 240 is not present).

Furthermore, when the hollow tube portion 132 is wrapped with tipping paper 270, it is preferable that the tipping paper 270 has an opening directly above the opening vf provided in the hollow tube portion 132. When producing such a flavor-generating article 110, it is possible to prepare and wrap tipping paper 270 with an opening that overlaps with the opening vf, but from the perspective of ease of production, it is preferable to first produce the flavor-generating article 110 using a hollow tube portion 132 that does not have the opening vf, and then drill a hole that passes through both the hollow tube portion 132 and the tipping paper 270 at the same time.

From the viewpoint of improving the delivery of components generated by heating, the region where the openings vf exist is preferably a region of 4.5 mm or more from the boundary between the hollow tube section 132 and the hollow filter section 240 or filter plug 250 (when the hollow filter section 240 is not present) toward the hollow tube section 132, more preferably a region of 5 mm or more, and even more preferably a region of 5.5 mm or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring cooling function, the region where the openings vf exist is preferably a region of 15 mm or less from the boundary toward the hollow tube section 132, more preferably a region of 10 mm or less, and even more preferably a region of 7 mm or less.

From the viewpoint of improving the delivery of components generated by heating, the region where the openings vf exist is preferably a region of 24 mm or more from the mouth end of the flavor generating article 110 toward the hollow tube portion 132, preferably a region of 24.5 mm or more, preferably a region of 25 mm or more, and more preferably a region of 25.5 mm or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring cooling function, the region where the openings vf exist is preferably a region of 35 mm or less from the mouth end of the flavor generating article 110 toward the hollow tube portion 132, more preferably a region of 30 mm or less, and even more preferably a region of 27 mm or less.

Furthermore, when the axial length of the hollow tube section 132 is 20 mm or more, the region in which the openings vf exist is preferably a region of 5 mm or more, more preferably a region of 10 mm or more, and even more preferably a region of 13 mm or more, from the boundary between the hollow tube section 132 and the flavor generating section 220 toward the hollow tube section 132, from the viewpoint of ensuring cooling function. Further, when the axial length of the hollow tube section 132 is 20 mm or more, the region in which the openings vf exist is preferably a region of 16 mm or less, more preferably a region of 15.5 mm or less, even more preferably a region of 15 mm or less, and especially preferably a region of 14.5 mm or less, from the boundary between the hollow tube section 132 and the flavor generating section 220, from the viewpoint of improving the delivery of components generated by heating.

The apertures vf can be set so that when an automatic smoking machine inhales at 17.5 ml/sec, the air inflow rate from the apertures vf (the volumetric rate of air inflowing from the aperture vf when the volumetric rate of air inhaled from the mouthpiece end is taken as 100%) is 10 to 90% by volume, preferably 50 to 80% by volume, and more preferably 55 to 75% by volume. Such an air inflow rate can be achieved, for example, by selecting the number of apertures vf per aperture group from the range of 5 to 50, and selecting the diameter of the apertures vf from the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The above air inflow rate can be measured using a roll measuring device (for example, a SODIMAX d74/SODIM manufactured by S.A.S.) in accordance with a method conforming to ISO 9512.

The configuration of the outer plug wrap 280 is not particularly limited and can be of any common type. Specifically, for example, the outer plug wrap 280 can be primarily made of pulp. Pulp can be wood pulp such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, esparto, or other pulps commonly used in cigarette paper for tobacco products. The outer plug wrap 280 is obtained by papermaking one or more of these pulps. These pulps may be used alone or in any combination of multiple types in any proportion. Pulp types that can be used include chemical pulp obtained by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, and soda cooking, ground pulp, chemi-ground pulp, and thermomechanical pulp. Commercially available products may be used for the outer plug wrap 280. The shape of the outer plug wrap 280 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, square or rectangular.

The basis weight of the outer plug wrap 280 is not particularly limited, but is typically 20 gsm to 70 gsm, preferably 30 gsm to 50 gsm, and more preferably 34 gsm to 38 gsm. The thickness of the outer plug wrap 280 is not particularly limited, but is typically 30 mm to 80 mm, preferably 33 mm to 50 mm, and more preferably 35 mm to 40 mm. The air permeability of the outer plug wrap 280 is not particularly limited, but is typically 0 Coresta units to 30,000 Coresta units, and preferably more than 0 Coresta units to 10,000 Coresta units. The air permeability is a value measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009 and is expressed as the flow rate ( ^cm3 ) of gas passing through an area of 1 ^cm2 per minute when the differential pressure between both sides of the paper is 1 kPa. One Coresta unit (1 Coresta unit, 1 C.U.) is cm ³ /(min·cm ² ) under 1 kPa.

The outer plug wrap 280 may contain a filler. Examples of fillers include metal carbonates such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, metal oxides such as titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide, metal sulfates such as barium sulfate and calcium sulfate, metal sulfides such as zinc sulfide, quartz, kaolin, talc, diatomaceous earth, and gypsum. It is particularly preferable that the outer plug wrap 280 contain calcium carbonate, from the standpoints of improving whiteness and opacity and increasing the heating rate. Furthermore, these fillers may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

Various auxiliary agents may be added to the outer plug wrap 280. The outer plug wrap 280 may contain, for example, a water resistance improver. The water resistance improver may include a wet strength agent (WS agent) and a sizing agent. The wet strength agent may include, for example, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine formaldehyde resin, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE). The sizing agent may include, for example, rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or more.

A coating agent may be added to at least one of the front and back surfaces of the outer plug wrap 280. There are no particular restrictions on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a film on the surface of the paper and reduce liquid permeability is preferred.

The configuration of the tipping paper 270 is not particularly limited and can be any common configuration. Specifically, for example, the tipping paper 270 can be mainly composed of pulp. Pulp that can be used is pulp generally used in cigarette papers for tobacco articles, such as wood pulp such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, and esparto. The tipping paper 270 is obtained by papermaking one or more of these pulps.
These pulps may be used alone or in any combination of several types in any ratio. Pulp types that can be used include chemical pulps produced by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, and soda cooking, ground pulp, chemi-ground pulp, and thermomechanical pulp. The tipping paper 270 may be a commercially available product. The shape of the tipping paper 270 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, square or rectangular. The flavor-generating article 110 may have one tipping paper 270, or may have several tipping papers 270.

The basis weight of the tipping paper 270 is not particularly limited, but is usually 32 gsm to 40 gsm, preferably 33 gsm to 39 gsm, and more preferably 34 gsm to 38 gsm. The air permeability of the tipping paper 270 is not particularly limited, but is usually 0 Coresta units to 30,000 Coresta units, and preferably more than 0 Coresta units to 10,000 Coresta units. Air permeability is a value measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009, and is expressed as the flow rate ( ^cm3 ) of gas passing through an area of ¹ cm2 per minute when the differential pressure between both sides of the paper is 1 kPa. 1 Coresta unit (1 Coresta unit, 1 C.U.) is ^cm3 /(min· ^cm2 ) at 1 kPa.

The chipping paper 270 may contain a filler. Examples of fillers include metal carbonates such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, metal oxides such as titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide, metal sulfates such as barium sulfate and calcium sulfate, metal sulfides such as zinc sulfide, quartz, kaolin, talc, diatomaceous earth, and gypsum. It is particularly preferable that the chipping paper 270 contain calcium carbonate, from the standpoint of improving whiteness and opacity and increasing the heating rate. Furthermore, these fillers may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

Various auxiliary agents may be added to the chip paper 270. For example, the chip paper 270 may contain a water resistance improver. The water resistance improver may include a wet strength agent (WS agent) and a sizing agent. The wet strength agent may include, for example, urea formaldehyde resin, melamine formaldehyde resin, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE). Furthermore, the sizing agent may be, for example, rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or more.

A coating agent may be added to at least one of the front and back surfaces of the tipping paper 270. There are no particular restrictions on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a film on the surface of the paper and reduce liquid permeability is preferred.

A portion of the outer surface of the tipping paper 270 may be coated with a lip release material. The lip release material refers to a material that helps the lip and tipping paper 270 to easily separate without substantial adhesion when the user holds the mouthpiece of the flavor-generating article 110 in their mouth. The lip release material may contain, for example, ethyl cellulose or methyl cellulose. For example, the outer surface of the tipping paper 270 may be coated with the lip release material by applying an ethyl cellulose- or methyl cellulose-based ink to the outer surface of the tipping paper 270. In this embodiment, the lip release material is provided at least in a predetermined mouthpiece area that comes into contact with the user's lips when the user holds the mouthpiece in their mouth. More specifically, the lip release material may be provided on the outer surface of the tipping paper 270, between the mouthpiece end (the end of the filter plug 250) and the opening vf.

Next, the connection manner of each element constituting the flavor generating article 110 will be described. In Figure 2, gaps are provided between the elements to make the connection easier to see, but in an actual flavor generating article 110, the elements are adjacent to each other with no gaps, as shown in Figure 3. In the flavor generating article 110 shown in Figure 2, the five elements are connected using an outer plug wrap 280, an outer plug wrap 260, and tipping paper 270. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the outer plug wrap 280 connects the tip plug 112, the flavor generating section 220, and the hollow tube section 132. Here, the outer plug wrap 280 is wrapped around the entire tip plug 112 and the flavor generating section 220, and a portion of the hollow tube section 132, covering them entirely. This connected body is referred to as a first connected body 285. Furthermore, the outer plug wrap 260 connects the hollow filter section 240 and the filter plug 250 by wrapping around them to cover them entirely. This connecting body is referred to as the second connecting body 265. Furthermore, tipping paper 270 connects the first connecting body 285 and the second connecting body 265. Here, the tipping paper 270 covers the entire second connecting body 265 and a portion of the first connecting body 285, leaving the first connecting body 285 exposed at its upstream end. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the outer plug wrap 280 does not cover the hollow tubular portion 132 to its downstream end, leaving the hollow tubular portion 132 exposed at its downstream end. However, the hollow tubular portion 132 may be covered to its downstream end. In this case, the outer plug wrap 280 preferably has an opening directly above the opening vf in the hollow tubular portion 132. Consequently, the opening vf is preferably provided so as to penetrate the tipping paper 270, the outer plug wrap 280, and the hollow tubular portion 132.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the flavor generating article 110 is properly inserted into the heating section 30 of the flavor inhaler 120, a portion of the flavor generating article 110 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 120. Specifically, in the state shown in FIG. 1, all or a portion of the second connecting body 265 shown in FIG. 2 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 120. Also, in the state shown in FIG. 1, a portion of the hollow tube section 132 shown in FIG. 2 or 3 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 120. In this case, the opening vf formed in the hollow tube section 132 may be exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler 120, or may be located inside the flavor inhaler 120 (upstream of the opening through which the flavor generating article 110 is inserted). It is preferable that the opening vf formed in the hollow tube section 132 be located inside the flavor inhaler 120, as this makes it less likely for the user to block the opening vf.

When the flavor generating article 110 is stored in the desired position of the flavor inhaler 120 shown in FIG. 1, the flavor generating section 220 may have a portion that overlaps with the heat source 40 of the flavor inhaler 120 along the longitudinal direction of the flavor generating article 110, and a portion that does not overlap with the heat source 40. The longitudinal length of the portion of the flavor generating section 220 that overlaps with the heat source 40 is preferably 40% or more and 60% or less of the longitudinal length of the flavor generating section 220.

In this embodiment, the tip plug 112 has an additional function. Specifically, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the first filter material 211 of the tip plug 112 has a first portion 112a and a second portion 112b. The first portion 112a and the second portion 112b are arranged adjacent to each other in a cross section perpendicular to the direction (longitudinal direction) in which the flavor generating unit 220 and the tip plug 112 are adjacent. When the flavor generating article 110 is heated by the heat source 40 shown in Figure 1, the second portion 112b is arranged closer to the heat source 40 than the first portion 112a. In the example shown in Figure 3, the second portion 112b is located outside the first portion 112a, and therefore when heated by the heat source 40 shown in Figure 1, the second portion 112b is arranged closer to the heat source 40 than the first portion 112a. Furthermore, the second portion 112b is configured to shrink when heated. As shown in Figure 4, which will be described later, the tip plug 112 has a first sheet member S1 disposed between the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b, and a first inner plug wrap 212 (second sheet member) disposed on the outside of the second portion 112b. At least one of the first sheet member S1 and the first inner plug wrap 212 is configured to deform in accordance with the contraction of the second portion 112b.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the second portion 112b of the tip plug 112 can be heated more easily than the first portion 112a, allowing the second portion 112b to shrink due to heating. Furthermore, as the second portion 112b shrinks due to heating, at least one of the first sheet member S1 and the first inner plug wrap 212 deforms, thereby increasing the inhalation resistance of the second portion 112b. In other words, the tip plug 112 has the additional function of varying the inhalation resistance. Specifically, for example, in the early stages of a smoking session, air is preferentially passed through the second portion 112b, which has a lower inhalation resistance. In the later stages of a smoking session, the inhalation resistance of the second portion 112b can be increased by heating, allowing air to preferentially pass through the first portion 112a. A smoking session may refer to the period from the start to the end of the process of generating an aerosol. A smoking session may also refer to the period from the start to the end of the process of heating a flavor inhalation article. The early stage of a smoking session may be 50% of the total duration of the smoking session from the start of the smoking session, 30% of the total duration of the smoking session from the start of the smoking session, or the time when heating begins to begin. The later stage of a smoking session may be the period from the end of the first half of the smoking session to the end of the smoking session, or the time when heating ends.

Preferably, the resistance of draw of the second portion 112b is smaller than the resistance of draw of the first portion 112a in the early stage of a smoking session, and is larger than the resistance of draw of the first portion 112a in the later stage of a smoking session. In this case, air is preferentially passed through the second portion 112b, which has a smaller resistance of draw, in the early stage of a smoking session, and in the later stage of a smoking session, the resistance of draw of the second portion 112b is increased by heating, allowing air to preferentially pass through the first portion 112a. Furthermore, in the flavor-generating article 110, the resistance of draw of the second portion 112b in the early stage of a smoking session is preferably lower than the resistance of draw of the second portion 112b in the later stage of a smoking session. In this case, the amount of air flowing into the second portion 112b can be increased in the later stage of a smoking session compared to the early stage, thereby enabling the flavor generated in the flavor generating unit 220 to be delivered more efficiently. The resistance to drawing of the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b before heating or in the early stage of a smoking session may be 50 _mmH2O or less. As shown in Fig. 3, the second portion 112b is preferably arranged to surround the first portion 112a in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the flavor generating portion 220 and the tip plug 112 are adjacent. In this case, when the flavor generating article 110 is heated from the outer periphery in the flavor inhaler 120 shown in Fig. 1, more air can flow toward the outer periphery of the flavor generating portion 220, where the temperature is higher, in the early stage of a smoking session. Furthermore, by increasing the resistance to drawing of the second portion 112b through heating, more air can flow toward the center of the flavor generating portion 220, where the temperature is higher, in the later stage of a smoking session, thereby efficiently generating and delivering vapor or aerosol.

The second portion 112b preferably contains cellulose acetate. In this case, the second portion 112b can be appropriately shrunk by heating it appropriately. The second portion 112b is not limited to this, but may be made of any material that can shrink when heated. A material that shrinks when heated may be a material that begins to shrink at a temperature of 130°C or higher and 220°C or lower, for example. The first portion 112a preferably contains cellulose acetate or paper. The first portion 112a is not limited to this, but may be made of any material, such as a material that has traditionally been used in filters.

It is preferable that the second portion 112b contains a plasticizer. In this case, the temperature at which the second portion 112b begins to shrink can be lowered, allowing the second portion 112b to shrink with less energy. The plasticizer may be, for example, triacetin. Furthermore, it is preferable that the content of the plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) in the second portion 112b be 6% by weight or more and 9% by weight or less. In this case, the energy required to shrink the second portion 112b can be reduced while suppressing dissolution of the second portion 112b. If the plasticizer content is less than 6% by weight, the temperature at which the second portion 112b begins to shrink will be high, requiring relatively high energy to shrink the second portion 112b. If the plasticizer content is more than 9% by weight, partial dissolution of the second portion 112b may occur. It is preferable that the content of the plasticizer in the second portion 112b be greater than the content of the plasticizer in the first portion 112a. For example, if the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b are made of cellulose acetate, the triacetin content in the second portion 112b may be 9% by weight, and the triacetin content in the first portion 112a may be 6% by weight.

Next, the structure of the tip plug 112 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the tip plug 112. Figure 4 also shows the outer plug wrap 280 that surrounds the tip plug 112. As shown in Figure 4, the tip plug 112 has a first sheet member S1 disposed between the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b, and a first inner plug wrap 212 disposed outside the second portion 112b.

The first sheet member S1 preferably has low liquid permeability. Specifically, if the first sheet member S1 can suppress the permeation of plasticizers, the movement of plasticizers between the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b can be suppressed. For example, a paper tube, cardboard, glassine paper, etc. can be used for such a first sheet member S1. Furthermore, the first sheet member S1 has low gas permeability. In this case, an air flow path passing through the first portion 112a and an air flow path passing through the second portion 112b can be separated. For example, the air permeability of the first sheet member S1 may be 100 CORESTA units or less. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second portion 112b is arranged to surround the first portion 112a, so the first sheet member S1 may be a cylindrical sheet member. However, the first sheet member S1 may be of any shape and may be disposed between the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b depending on the arrangement of the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b. The first sheet member S1 may be disposed over the entire area between the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b, or may be disposed only in part of the area.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the flavor-generating article 110 preferably has a first joint P1 that joins the inner surface of the second portion 112b to the first sheet member S1. In this case, the positional relationship between the second portion 112b and the first sheet member S1 can be fixed. The first joint P1 may be provided over the entire outer surface of the first sheet member S1, or may be provided in any pattern on the outer surface of the first sheet member S1, such as a spiral, linear, or dot pattern. Any joining means, such as glue, adhesive, or adhesive tape, may be used as the first joint P1.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the flavor-generating article 110 preferably has a second joint P2 that joins the outer surface of the first portion 112a to the first sheet member S1. In this case, the positional relationship between the first portion 112a and the first sheet member S1 can be fixed. The second joint P2 may be provided on the entire inner surface of the first sheet member S1, or may be provided in any pattern on the inner surface of the first sheet member S1, such as a spiral, linear, or dot pattern. Any joining means, such as glue, adhesive, or adhesive tape, may be used as the second joint P2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tip plug 112 of the flavor-generating article 110 has a second sheet member arranged on the outside of the second portion 112b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the first inner plug wrap 212 functions as the second sheet member. However, this is not a limitation, and the outer plug wrap 280, rather than the first inner plug wrap 212, may function as the second sheet member arranged on the outside of the second portion 112b. Furthermore, the tipping paper 270 may be extended to wrap around the outside of the tip plug 112, and function as the second sheet member. The second sheet member can protect the second portion 112b. Furthermore, the second sheet member (here, the first inner plug wrap 212) has low gas permeability. For example, the air permeability of the second sheet member may be 100 CORESTA units or less.

Furthermore, when the flavor-generating article 110 has a second sheet member, it preferably has a third joint P3 that joins the outer surface of the second portion 112b to the second sheet member. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the outer surface of the second portion 112b and the inner surface of the first inner plug wrap 212 are joined by P3. In this case, the positional relationship between the second portion 112b and the second sheet member can be fixed. The third joint P3 may be provided on the entire inner surface of the second sheet member, or may be provided in any pattern on the inner surface of the second sheet member, such as a spiral, linear, or dot pattern. Any joining means, such as glue, adhesive, or adhesive tape, may be used as the third joint P3.

2 to 4, the outer plug wrap 280 is wrapped around the tip plug 112 and the entire flavor generating section 220, as well as a portion of the hollow tube section 132. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the flavor generating article 110 preferably has a fourth joint P4 that joins the outer surface of the first inner plug wrap 212 (second sheet member) to the outer plug wrap 280. In this case, the positional relationship between the first inner plug wrap 212 and the outer plug wrap 280 can be fixed. The fourth joint P4 may be provided over the entire outer surface of the outer plug wrap 280, or may be provided in any pattern on the outer surface of the outer plug wrap 280, such as a spiral, linear, or dot pattern. Any joining means, such as glue, adhesive, or adhesive tape, may be used as the fourth joint P4.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the flavor generating unit 220 preferably has a first flavor source 221a into which air that has passed through the first portion 112a flows, and a second flavor source 221b into which air that has passed through the second portion 112b flows. That is, the flavor source 221 preferably includes the first flavor source 221a and the second flavor source 221b. In this case, for example, in the early stage of a smoking session, air can be made to pass preferentially through one of the first flavor source 221a and the second flavor source 221b, and in the later stage of the smoking session, air can be made to pass preferentially through the other of the first flavor source 221a and the second flavor source 221b due to changes in the suction resistance of the tip plug 112.

Specifically, as in the example shown in FIG. 3, before the tip plug 112 is heated, if the inhalation resistance of the second portion 112b is lower than the inhalation resistance of the first portion 112a, air will flow preferentially through the second portion 112b to the second flavor source 221b. Therefore, when the flavor-generating article 110 shown in FIG. 3 is heated from the outside by the flavor inhaler 120 shown in FIG. 1, in the early stage of a smoking session, the second flavor source 221b will be heated faster than the first flavor source 221a, and a relatively large amount of vapor or aerosol will be generated from the second flavor source 221b. Therefore, in the early stage of a smoking session, air will flow preferentially to the second portion 112b and second flavor source 221b, which have lower inhalation resistance, thereby efficiently delivering vapor or aerosol. On the other hand, in the latter part of the smoking session, the amount of flavor or aerosol contained in the second flavor source 221b decreases, and the first flavor source 221a is heated to a sufficient temperature to generate a relatively large amount of vapor or aerosol from the first flavor source 221a. Therefore, in the latter part of the smoking session, as the second portion 112b shrinks due to heating, at least one of the first sheet member S1 and the first inner plug wrap 212 deforms, increasing the resistance to suction of the second portion 112b and allowing air to flow preferentially through the first portion 112a and the first flavor source 221a, thereby efficiently delivering vapor or aerosol.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the flavor-generating article 110 (flavor source 221) may have a separator 221c that separates the first flavor source 221a from the second flavor source 221b. In this case, air that has flowed into one of the first flavor source 221a and the second flavor source 221b can be prevented from flowing out to the other of the first flavor source 221a and the second flavor source 221b, allowing air to pass through the desired flavor source 221. In the example shown in FIG. 3(a), the substantially cylindrical separator 221c separates the columnar first flavor source 221a from the cylindrical second flavor source 221b that is arranged to surround the first flavor source 221a. The separator 221c may be made of paper such as glassine paper. The air permeability of the separator 221c may be 100 CORESTA units or less.

In the flavor-generating article 110, it is preferable that the sum of the inhalation resistance of the second portion 112b and the inhalation resistance of the second flavor source 221b in the early part of a smoking session is substantially equal to the sum of the inhalation resistance of the first portion 112a and the inhalation resistance of the first flavor source 221a in the later part of a smoking session. Here, "substantially equal" means that the airflow resistance in the later part of a smoking session is included within an error range of ±10% for the inhalation resistance in the early part of a smoking session. In this case, when air preferentially flows into the second portion 112b in the early part of a smoking session and preferentially flows into the first portion 112a in the later part of a smoking session (specifically, when the inhalation resistance of the second portion 112b is lower than the inhalation resistance of the first portion 112a before the tip plug 112 is heated, and when heating causes the inhalation resistance of the second portion 112b to become higher than the inhalation resistance of the first portion 112a), changes in the inhalation resistance felt by the user throughout the entire smoking session can be suppressed.

5 and 6 are detailed cross-sectional views of an example of the tip plug 112 in a state in which the second portion 112b has contracted. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second portion 112b has an upstream portion A1 and a downstream portion A2 located downstream of the upstream portion A1. Here, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is preferable that the amount of thermal contraction of the downstream portion A2 is greater than the amount of thermal contraction of the upstream portion A1 in the latter part of the smoking session. In this case, since the upstream portion A1 of the second portion 112b does not thermally contract more than the downstream portion A2 in the latter part of the smoking session, changes in the appearance of the tip plug 112 after smoking can be suppressed when the tip plug 112 (upstream end) is exposed, as in the examples shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. Note that the upstream portion A1 of the second portion 112b may or may not substantially contract. The ratio of the size of the second portion 112b in the downstream portion A2 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the early part of a smoking session to the size of the second portion 112b in the downstream portion A2 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the later part of a smoking session is preferably 0.4 or greater and 0.7 or less. If this ratio exceeds 0.7, i.e., if the degree of contraction in the later part of a smoking session is small, it is difficult to obtain the effect of the change in drawing resistance caused by contraction. Furthermore, if this ratio is less than 0.4, i.e., if the degree of contraction in the later part of a smoking session is large, the appearance of the tip plug 112 may change significantly.

The second portion 112b is preferably configured to thermally shrink radially from either the inside or the outside. In this case, the flow path area of the air passing through the second portion 112b is reduced, thereby increasing the suction resistance of the second portion 112b. The example shown in Figure 5 shows the second portion 112b (particularly the downstream portion A2) in a state where it has thermally shrunk radially from the inside to the outside. In the example shown in Figure 5, the first sheet member S1 is deformed radially from the inside to the outside as the second portion 112b shrinks due to heating. In this case, the first sheet member S1 has low gas permeability, and this first sheet member S1 reduces the flow path area of the air passing through the second portion 112b, thereby increasing the suction resistance of the second portion 112b. Because the first sheet member S1 deforms as the second portion 112b shrinks, for example, the bond between the first portion 112a and the first sheet member S1 at the second joint P2 is weaker than the bond between the second portion 112b and the first sheet member S1 at the first joint P1. Specifically, for example, the second joint P2 may have lower heat resistance or may be applied in a smaller amount than the first joint P1. As a result, the first joint P1 and the first sheet member S1 deform radially outward as the second portion 112b thermally shrinks. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the second portion 112b and the first inner plug wrap 212 are joined at the third joint P3. Therefore, even if the bond between the first portion 112a and the first sheet member S1 at the second joint P2 weakens due to heating, the second portion 112b and the first sheet member S1 can be prevented from falling off the flavor-generating article 110.

Furthermore, the density or basis weight of the first inner plug wrap 212 (second sheet member) may be greater than the density or basis weight of the first sheet member S1. In this case, since the first sheet member S1 is more easily deformed than the first inner plug wrap 212, when the second portion 112b is bonded to both the first sheet member S1 and the first inner plug wrap 212, the first sheet member S1 can be deformed from the first sheet member S1 toward the first inner plug wrap 212, i.e., from the inside to the outside, as the second portion 112b thermally shrinks. This prevents deformation of the first inner plug wrap 212, which is located on the outside, and reduces changes in the appearance of the flavor-generating article 110 after smoking.

The second joint P2 does not have to be provided downstream of the tip plug 112, specifically downstream of the first portion 112a and the first sheet member S1. In this case, the second joint P2 is not provided at a longitudinal position corresponding to the portion of the second portion 112b that will thermally shrink, thereby promoting thermal shrinkage of the second portion 112b. On the other hand, by providing the second joint P2 upstream of the tip plug 112, i.e., upstream of the first portion 112a and the first sheet member S1, it is possible to prevent the first portion 112a and the first sheet member S1 from falling off the flavor-generating article 110.

6 shows the second portion 112b (particularly the downstream portion A2) in a state where it has been thermally shrunk radially from the outside to the inside. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first inner plug wrap 212 is deformed radially from the outside to the inside due to the shrinkage of the second portion 112b caused by heating. In this case, the first inner plug wrap 212 has low gas permeability, which reduces the flow path area of air passing through the second portion 112b, thereby increasing the suction resistance of the second portion 112b. Because the first inner plug wrap 212 is deformed due to the shrinkage of the second portion 112b, for example, the bond between the outer plug wrap 280 and the first inner plug wrap 212 at the fourth joint P4 is weaker than the bond between the second portion 112b and the first inner plug wrap 212 at the third joint P3. Specifically, for example, the fourth joint P4 may have lower heat resistance or may be applied in a smaller amount than the third joint P3. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second portion 112b and the first sheet member S1 are joined by the first joint P1. Therefore, even if the bond between the outer plug wrap 280 and the first inner plug wrap 212 by the fourth joint P4 is weakened by heating, the second portion 112b and the first inner plug wrap 212 can be prevented from falling off the flavor-generating article 110.

Furthermore, the density or basis weight of the first inner plug wrap 212 (second sheet member) may be smaller than the density or basis weight of the first sheet member S1. In this case, since the first inner plug wrap 212 is more easily deformed than the first sheet member S1, when the second portion 112b is bonded to both the first sheet member S1 and the first inner plug wrap 212, the first inner plug wrap 212 can be deformed from the first inner plug wrap 212 toward the first sheet member S1, i.e., from the outside to the inside, as the second portion 112b thermally shrinks.

5 illustrates an example in which the first sheet member S1 deforms as the second portion 112b shrinks due to heating, and the example in FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the first inner plug wrap 212 deforms as the second portion 112b shrinks due to heating. However, this is not particularly limited, and both the first sheet member S1 and the first inner plug wrap 212 may deform as the second portion 112b shrinks. This allows for a significant change in the flow path area of air passing through the second portion 112b, making it easier for the suction resistance in the second portion 112b to change. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, if only one of the first sheet member S1 and the first inner plug wrap 212 deforms and the other does not, the bond between the first sheet member S1 and the first portion 112a or the bond between the first inner plug wrap 212 and the outer plug wrap 280 is maintained, and the tip plug 112 can be prevented from falling off the flavor-generating article 110.

As described above, in this embodiment, the second portion 112b of the tip plug 112 shrinks when heated, and as the second portion 112b shrinks, at least one of the first sheet member S1 and the first inner plug wrap 212 deforms, changing the suction resistance of the second portion 112b and changing the balance of the suction resistance between the inside (first portion 112a) and outside (second portion 112b) of the tip plug 112. As a result, the overall suction resistance of the tip plug 112 in the latter part of a smoking session may be different from the overall suction resistance of the tip plug 112 in the earlier part of a smoking session. Furthermore, as described in relation to Figure 2, the flavor-generating article 110 has a downstream portion 130 located downstream of the flavor-generating section 220, and the downstream portion 130 has an opening vf. Specifically, the downstream section 130 includes a filter plug 250 and a hollow tube section 132 formed in a cylindrical shape between the flavor generating section 220 and the filter plug 250, with the aperture vf located in the hollow tube section 132. In this case, the ratio of the amount of air inflow from the tip plug 112 to the amount of air inflow from the aperture vf during the early part of a smoking session may be different from the ratio of the amount of air inflow from the tip plug 112 to the amount of air inflow from the aperture vf during the later part of a smoking session. This allows the aerosol dilution rate to be adjusted between the early and later parts of a smoking session, thereby adjusting the flavor balance throughout the smoking session. Specifically, the amount of air inflow from the aperture vf during the later part of a smoking session may be greater than the amount of air inflow from the aperture vf during the early part of the smoking session. This reduces the amount of air inflow from the tip of the flavor generating article 110 compared to the amount of air inflow from the aperture vf, thereby reducing the amount of flavor component delivered by puffs during the later part of a smoking session.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, different flavorings may be added to the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b of the tip plug 112. In this case, heating the tip plug 112 changes the balance of the suction resistance between the inside (first portion 112a) and outside (second portion 112b) of the tip plug 112, thereby changing the taste or aroma delivered to the user between the early and late stages of a smoking session. Alternatively, the same flavoring may be added to the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b of the tip plug 112, but in different amounts. In this case, heating the tip plug 112 changes the balance of the suction resistance between the inside (first portion 112a) and outside (second portion 112b) of the tip plug 112, thereby changing the intensity of the taste or aroma delivered to the user between the early and late stages of a smoking session.

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article 110 according to another embodiment. Specifically, Figure 7(a) is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flavor generating article 110 according to another embodiment. Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows b-b in Figure 8(a). The flavor generating article 110 shown in Figure 8 differs from the flavor generating article 110 shown in Figure 4 in that the tip plug 112 has a vent hole 113 on its side that allows air to flow from the outside to the inside. Specifically, the first inner plug wrap 212 may be provided with a vent hole 113 that connects the outside with the second portion 112b.

Furthermore, in the flavor-generating article 110 as shown in the figure, when the outer plug wrap 280 is configured to wrap around the tip plug 112, it is preferable that the outer plug wrap 280 be provided with an air vent 280a at a position corresponding to the air vent 113 provided in the tip plug 112 (directly above the air vent 113). In this case, air can also flow into the interior of the tip plug 112 (specifically, the second portion 112b) through the air vent 113, making it easier to adjust the balance of suction resistance between the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b.

If the tip plug 112 does not have an air vent 113 and, for example, the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b are formed to have the same length in the longitudinal direction of the flavor-generating article 110, it is necessary to adjust the balance of the suction resistance between the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b by adjusting the materials that make up the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b. In contrast, if the tip plug 112 has an air vent 113, the suction resistance of the second portion 112b can be easily adjusted by adjusting the number, diameter, and position of the air vents 113. By providing the air vent 113 in the tip plug 112 in this way, it is easy to set a state in which the air resistance of the first portion 112a is higher than the air resistance of the second portion 112b.

If the tip plug 112 has an air vent 113, air may flow in through the air vent 113 even after at least one of the first sheet member S1 and the second sheet member deforms due to contraction of the second portion 112b in the latter part of the smoking session, making it difficult for the suction resistance of the second portion 112b to change. For this reason, it is preferable to, for example, place glue around the air vent 113 so that the glue melts due to a rise in temperature in the latter part of the smoking session, blocking the air vent 113. This prevents the suction resistance between the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b from becoming imbalanced due to air flowing in through the air vent 113.

Although the above describes an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical concept described in the specification and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings is within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

Some aspects of the present disclosure are described below.
(1)
A flavor generating unit;
an upstream section disposed upstream of the flavor generating section,
the upstream portion has a first portion and a second portion;
the first portion and the second portion are disposed adjacent to each other in a cross section perpendicular to a direction in which the flavor generating portion and the upstream portion are adjacent to each other,
when the flavor-generating article is heated by a heating element, the second portion is positioned closer to the heating element than the first portion;
the upstream portion includes a first sheet member disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and a second sheet member disposed outside the second portion;
the second portion is configured to shrink upon heating;
At least one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member is configured to deform as the second portion contracts.
(2)
In the flavor-generating article described in (1),
The flavor-generating article, wherein the second portion is disposed so as to surround the first portion in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the flavor-generating portion and the upstream portion are adjacent to each other.
(3)
In the flavor-generating article according to (1) or (2),
The flavor generating article, wherein the second portion comprises cellulose acetate.
(4)
In the flavor-generating article according to any one of (1) to (3),
The flavor generating article wherein the second portion comprises a plasticizer.
(5)
In the flavor-generating article described in (4),
A flavor-generating article, wherein the content of the plasticizer in the second portion is 6% by weight or more and 9% by weight or less.
(6)
In the flavor-generating article according to any one of (1) to (5),
the second portion has an upstream portion and a downstream portion located downstream from the upstream portion,
The flavor generating article wherein the amount of thermal shrinkage of the downstream portion is greater than the amount of thermal shrinkage of the upstream portion during a later period of a smoking session.
(7)
In the flavor-generating article according to any one of (1) to (6),
The flavor-generating article, wherein one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member deforms as the second portion contracts.
(8)
In the flavor-generating article according to any one of (1) to (7),
A flavor generating article, wherein the resistance to draw of the second portion is less than the resistance to draw of the first portion during an early stage of a smoking session, and the resistance to draw of the second portion is greater than the resistance to draw of the first portion during a later stage of a smoking session.
(9)
In the flavor-generating article according to any one of (1) to (8),
The flavor generating article wherein the resistance to draw of the second portion during an early portion of a smoking session is less than the resistance to draw of the second portion during a later portion of a smoking session.
(10)
In the flavor-generating article according to any one of (1) to (9),
The flavor generating section has a first flavor source into which air that has passed through the first part flows, a second flavor source into which air that has passed through the second part flows, and a separator that separates the first flavor source from the second flavor source.
(11)
In the flavor-generating article according to any one of (1) to (10),
a downstream section located downstream of the flavor generating section,
The downstream portion has an opening through which air flows from the outside to the inside of the flavor-generating article.
(12)
In the flavor-generating article described in (11),
The downstream portion is
A filter unit;
a hollow tube portion formed in a cylindrical shape between the flavor generating portion and the filter portion,
The flavor generating article, wherein the aperture is located in the hollow tube portion.
(13)
In the flavor-generating article according to (11) or (12),
A flavor-generating article in which the ratio of the amount of air inflow from the upstream portion to the amount of air inflow from the opening during the early part of a smoking session is different from the ratio of the amount of air inflow from the upstream portion to the amount of air inflow from the opening during the later part of a smoking session.
(14)
In the flavor-generating article according to (13),
The flavor generating article wherein the amount of air entering through the aperture during a later period of a smoking session is greater than the amount of air entering through the aperture during an earlier period of a smoking session.
(15)
In the flavor-generating article according to any one of (1) to (14),
The upstream portion has a vent hole on a side surface thereof for allowing air to flow from the outside to the inside of the flavor-generating article.

40: Heat source 110: Flavor-generating article 112: Tip plug 112a: First portion 112b: Second portion 113: Ventilation hole 130: Downstream portion 132: Hollow tube portion 212: First inner plug wrap 220: Flavor-generating portion 221: Flavor source 221a: First flavor source 221b: Second flavor source 221c: Separator A1: Upstream portion A2: Downstream portion S1: First sheet member vf: Opening

Claims (15)

A flavor generating unit;
an upstream section disposed upstream of the flavor generating section,
the upstream portion has a first portion and a second portion;
the first portion and the second portion are disposed adjacent to each other in a cross section perpendicular to a direction in which the flavor generating portion and the upstream portion are adjacent to each other,
when the flavor-generating article is heated by a heating element, the second portion is positioned closer to the heating element than the first portion;
the upstream portion includes a first sheet member disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and a second sheet member disposed outside the second portion;
the second portion is configured to shrink upon heating;
At least one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member is configured to deform as the second portion contracts. The flavor-generating article according to claim 1,
The flavor-generating article, wherein the second portion is disposed so as to surround the first portion in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the flavor-generating portion and the upstream portion are adjacent to each other. The flavor-generating article according to claim 1 or 2,
The flavor generating article, wherein the second portion comprises cellulose acetate. The flavor-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The flavor generating article wherein the second portion comprises a plasticizer. The flavor-generating article according to claim 4,
A flavor-generating article, wherein the content of the plasticizer in the second portion is 6% by weight or more and 9% by weight or less. The flavor-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
the second portion has an upstream portion and a downstream portion located downstream from the upstream portion,
The flavor generating article wherein the amount of thermal shrinkage of the downstream portion is greater than the amount of thermal shrinkage of the upstream portion during a later period of a smoking session. The flavor-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The flavor-generating article, wherein one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member deforms as the second portion contracts. The flavor-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A flavor generating article, wherein the resistance to draw of the second portion is less than the resistance to draw of the first portion during an early stage of a smoking session, and the resistance to draw of the second portion is greater than the resistance to draw of the first portion during a later stage of a smoking session. The flavor-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The flavor generating article wherein the resistance to draw of the second portion during an early portion of a smoking session is less than the resistance to draw of the second portion during a later portion of a smoking session. The flavor-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The flavor generating section has a first flavor source into which air that has passed through the first part flows, a second flavor source into which air that has passed through the second part flows, and a separator that separates the first flavor source from the second flavor source. The flavor-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
a downstream section located downstream of the flavor generating section,
The downstream portion has an opening through which air flows from the outside to the inside of the flavor-generating article. The flavor generating article according to claim 11,
The downstream portion is
A filter unit;
a hollow tube portion formed in a cylindrical shape between the flavor generating portion and the filter portion,
The flavor generating article, wherein the aperture is located in the hollow tube portion. The flavor-generating article according to claim 11 or 12,
A flavor-generating article in which the ratio of the amount of air inflow from the upstream portion to the amount of air inflow from the opening during the early part of a smoking session is different from the ratio of the amount of air inflow from the upstream portion to the amount of air inflow from the opening during the later part of a smoking session. 14. The flavor generating article according to claim 13,
The flavor generating article wherein the amount of air entering through the aperture during a later period of a smoking session is greater than the amount of air entering through the aperture during an earlier period of a smoking session. The flavor-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The upstream portion has a vent hole on a side surface thereof for allowing air to flow from the outside to the inside of the flavor-generating article.