KR20230117746A - Flavor Fillers and Flavor Inhalers - Google Patents

Abstract

A flavor filler for a flavor inhaler comprising porous cellulose particles having a porosity of 40% or more, and a flavor layer supported on an outer surface of the porous cellulose particles and containing flavor ingredient-containing particles.

Description

Flavor Fillers and Flavor Inhalers

The present invention relates to flavor fillers and flavor inhalers.

BACKGROUND ART As a tobacco product, a heating type flavor inhaler is known which provides tobacco flavor to a user by heating a tobacco filler such as tobacco flesh without burning it (see Patent Document 1, for example). The heating type flavor inhaler includes a tobacco filler and an aerosol source, and by heating, vapor is generated from moisture in the tobacco filler and the aerosol source, and tobacco flavor components migrate from the tobacco filler in this vapor to form an aerosol (mainstream smoke). is created However, since the tobacco filler is not burned in the heating type flavor inhaler, there is a problem that the tobacco flavor component is difficult to be released from the tobacco filler.

As tobacco fillers, in addition to tobacco flesh, tobacco granules and sheet tobacco are known. "Tobacco flesh" is a piece of aged tobacco leaves (ie, leaf tobacco used as a tobacco flavor source in tobacco products) chopped into predetermined sizes. "Tobacco granules" are obtained by molding a composition containing pulverized material of aged tobacco leaves into granules. Tobacco granules can be molded by known methods such as extrusion granulation. A "sheet cigarette" is obtained by molding a composition containing pulverized aged tobacco leaves into a sheet shape. Sheet tobacco can be molded by a known method such as a papermaking method, a casting method, or a rolling method.

In heating type flavor inhalers, improvements have been made to tobacco fillers in order to efficiently release tobacco flavor components from the tobacco fillers. For example, Patent Literature 2 discloses that the tobacco flavor component is efficiently released from the tobacco filler by reducing the density of each tobacco filler.

Patent Document 1: WO2010/110226 Patent Document 2: WO2017/141406

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the release of flavor components from flavor fillers used in flavor inhalers.

The present inventors have improved the release of tobacco flavor components from tobacco particles as a result of supporting pulverized aged tobacco leaves (hereinafter referred to as tobacco particles) on the outer surface of porous cellulose particles having a high porosity. It was newly discovered that it could be done, and the present invention was completed.

That is, according to one aspect,

Porous cellulose particles having a porosity of 40% or more;

A flavor layer supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles and containing flavor ingredient-containing particles

A flavor filler for a flavor inhaler comprising a is provided.

According to another aspect, a flavor inhaler comprising the flavor filler described above is provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique capable of improving the release of flavor components from flavor fillers used in flavor inhalers.

[Fig. 1] A cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of porous cellulose particles.
[Fig. 2] An electron microscope image showing an example of porous cellulose particles.
[Fig. 3] A partial cut away view showing an example of a flavor filler.
[Fig. 4] A perspective view showing an example of a heating type flavor inhaler.
[Fig. 5] An exploded view showing the heating type flavor inhaler shown in Fig. 4. [Fig.
[Fig. 6] A schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the heating type flavor inhaler shown in Fig. 4. [Fig.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail, but the following description is intended to explain the present invention in detail, and is not intended to limit the present invention.

<1. Flavor Filler>

flavor fillings,

Porous cellulose particles having a porosity of 40% or more;

A flavor layer supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles and containing flavor ingredient-containing particles

includes The flavor filler can be inserted into the flavor inhaler to provide flavor to the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the flavor filler is a tobacco filler provided with a flavor layer containing tobacco particles. That is, in a preferred aspect, the tobacco filler,

Porous cellulose particles having a porosity of 40% or more;

A flavor layer supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles and containing tobacco particles

includes

(Porous Cellulose Particles)

First, porous cellulose particles serving as carrier particles will be described. Porous cellulose particles have a porosity of 40% or more. Porosity refers to the value calculated by the following formula.

Porosity (%) = (pore volume of particles/apparent volume of particles) × 100

The "pore volume of the particles" is the larger of the pore volume calculated based on the pore volume obtained by the Archimedes method and the average pore diameter obtained by the pore diameter distribution measurement measured by the mercury porosimetry method. refers to volume. Acquisition of the void volume by the Archimedes method can be performed according to JIS R1634: 1998. Acquisition of the void volume by the mercury porosimetry can be performed in accordance with JIS R1655:2003.

"Apparent volume of particles" refers to the theoretical volume of particles when the particles are held in a spherical shape, that is, a sphere having the same diameter as the average particle diameter measured using a laser diffraction type particle size distribution measuring device. ) refers to the volume of Measurement of the average particle diameter using a laser diffraction type particle size distribution analyzer can be performed in accordance with JIS Z8825: 2013 (particle diameter analysis-laser diffraction/scattering method).

The porosity of the porous cellulose particles is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, still more preferably 70% or more, still more preferably 80% or more. The upper limit of the porosity of the porous cellulose particles is, for example, 95%. In addition, in this specification, "porosity" refers to the porosity within a particle.

Since porous cellulose particles have a high porosity, they have a low bulk density. Specifically, the porous cellulose particles have a bulk density of, for example, 0.1 to 0.6 g/mL, preferably 0.1 to 0.4 g/mL, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.3 g/mL.

Porous cellulose particles are particles containing cellulose as a main component and having a porous structure. When the porous cellulose particles are manufactured using a plant such as wood pulp as a raw material, they may contain components other than cellulose derived from the raw material. Alternatively, the porous cellulose particles may intentionally contain components other than cellulose by mixing fine powders such as binders, flavorings, tobacco powder, and foaming agents in the particle manufacturing process.

Porous cellulose particles are known, and are used, for example, as carriers for immobilizing enzymes, carriers for ion exchangers, carriers for supporting drugs, or cosmetic additives. Porous cellulose particles are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-157772, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-323095, and the like.

The shape of the porous cellulose particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably spherical. The spherical shape includes not only a true spherical shape but also a deformed spherical shape such as an elliptical spherical shape.

The porous cellulose particles have an average particle diameter of, for example, 300 to 2000 μm, preferably 300 to 850 μm. The "average particle diameter" of porous cellulose particles is determined by a laser diffraction/scattering method, and refers to a value measured using a laser diffraction type particle size distribution measuring device (eg, Horiba Seisakusho LA-950) .

The porous cellulose particles have pores on the outer surface, and the maximum diameter of the surface pores (hereinafter also referred to as hole diameter) is, for example, 1/2 to 1/ of the particle diameter of the porous cellulose particles. 1000, preferably 1/5 to 1/50 of the particle diameter of the porous cellulose particles. The porous cellulose particles have an average pore diameter of, for example, 0.3 to 1000 μm, preferably 0.3 to 200 μm, and more preferably 6 to 40 μm. The average pore diameter was determined by randomly selecting 10 particles from an electron micrograph of porous cellulose particles, selecting one representative surface pore from each particle, and based on the microscopic image, the maximum diameter of the surface pore with respect to the particle size It can be obtained by calculating the ratio of (ie, pore diameters), multiplying this ratio by the value of the particle diameter to calculate the value of the pore diameter of each particle, and calculating the average value of 10 particles.

In a preferred embodiment, the porous cellulose particles have a plurality of pores extending radially from the center of the porous cellulose particles toward the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles. An example of such porous cellulose particles is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view, and Fig. 2 is an electron micrograph. 1 shows a porous cellulose particle 1, and the porous cellulose particle 1 has a plurality of pores 1a. In this specification, the surface of the porous cellulose particles excluding the surface of the pores 1a is referred to as "the outer surface 1b of the porous cellulose particles". 1 and 2, the plurality of holes 1a radially extend from the center of the porous cellulose particle toward the outer surface 1b of the porous cellulose particle.

Porous cellulose particles may be prepared according to known techniques, or commercially available ones may be used. Examples of commercially available porous cellulose particles include porous cellulose particles sold under the trade name of Viscopearl by Rengo Co., Ltd.

(flavor layer)

The flavor layer is supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles described above and forms a flavor filler together with the porous cellulose particles described above. An example of the flavor filler is schematically shown in FIG. 3 . 3 shows the flavor filler 10, and the flavor layer 2 is formed on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles 1. 3, the flavor layer 2 exists as a fine particle layer on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles 1. In Fig. 3, the flavor layer 2 exists as a layer of fine particles on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles, but it is not limited to this form as long as it is supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles.

The flavor layer 2 shown in FIG. 3 can be formed by, for example, spray drying the porous cellulose particles 1 with a liquid flavor composition containing flavor ingredient-containing particles and a binder. The flavor layer 2 may exist so as to completely cover the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles 1, or may exist so as to partially cover the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles 1.

In Fig. 3, the flavor layer 2 is present only on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles, but a part of the flavor layer may penetrate into the pores of the porous cellulose particles and exist. Most of the flavor layer preferably exists on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles without penetrating into the pores of the porous cellulose particles. When the flavor layer penetrates into the pores of the porous cellulose particles and exists, it is preferable to exist near the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles. That is, in a preferred embodiment, the flavor layer is present in a larger amount from the center of the porous cellulose particles toward the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles. In this way, the flavor component can be efficiently released from the flavor component-containing particles included in the flavor layer.

In order for the flavor layer to exist on or near the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles, the flavor ingredient-containing particles contained in the flavor layer preferably have an average particle diameter greater than the average pore diameter of the porous cellulose particles. The flavor ingredient-containing particles have an average particle diameter of, for example, 0.3 to 1000 μm, preferably 50 to 200 μm, and more preferably 60 to 80 μm. The average particle diameter of the flavor ingredient-containing particles is determined by a laser diffraction/scattering method, and refers to a value measured using a laser diffraction type particle size distribution measuring device (e.g., LA-950 by Horiba Seisakusho). .

The fragrance component-containing particles are arbitrary particles containing a flavor component. The flavor component-containing particles are, for example, tobacco particles. Alternatively, the flavor component-containing particles are, for example, flavor particles. The perfume ingredient-containing particles may be one type of particle or may be a plurality of types of particles providing different flavors. The spice component-containing particles may be a combination of tobacco particles and spice particles, or may be a plurality of types of tobacco particles or a plurality of types of spice particles.

"Tobacco particles" are pulverized products of aged tobacco leaves (i.e., leaf tobacco ready to be inserted into tobacco products as a tobacco flavor source). "Matured tobacco leaves" are the leaves of cultivated and harvested tobacco plants, which are dried in farms, followed by a long-term aging process of one to several years in raw material factories, and then blended and recast in manufacturing factories. Refers to tobacco leaves obtained by performing various processing treatments such as cutting. Grinding can be performed using a known grinder, and either dry grinding or wet grinding may be used. As described above, the tobacco particles may have an average particle diameter of, for example, 0.3 to 1000 μm, preferably 50 to 200 μm, and more preferably 60 to 80 μm.

The "fragrance particles" are arbitrary powders containing perfume ingredients. To flavor particles, tobacco particles are not included. The spice particle may be a natural spice or a synthetic spice. As the spice particles, any spice particles commonly used in tobacco products (particularly flavor inhalers) may be used. The spice particles may be, for example, cocoa or may be powder obtained by spray-drying the spice dispersion and pulverizing it. Alternatively, the perfume particles are obtained by adsorbing the perfume to porous particulate calcium carbonate (for example, Poa Cal N from Shiraishi Calcium Co., Ltd.) or porous particulate activated carbon (for example, Kura Recol from Kuraray Co., Ltd.) The obtained powder may be sufficient. As described above, the spice particles may have an average particle diameter of, for example, 0.3 to 1000 μm, preferably 50 to 200 μm, and more preferably 60 to 80 μm.

(barrier layer)

The flavor filler may further contain a barrier layer on the above-mentioned flavor layer. The barrier layer can be formed, for example, by spray-drying a liquid fragrance composition containing the components of the barrier layer onto the flavor layer formed on the porous cellulose particles. The barrier layer may be present so as to completely cover the flavor layer or may be present so as to partially cover the flavor layer.

The barrier layer can control the release timing of the flavor component from the flavor component-containing particles included in the flavor layer. In this way, the barrier layer can prevent the release amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor layer from decreasing even if the number of puffs of the flavor inhaler is repeated.

In a first aspect, the barrier layer contains a binder but no flavor contributing substance. As a binder, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is mentioned, for example. In this aspect, the barrier layer does not contain a flavor contributing substance. A flavor contributing substance refers to any substance that contributes to flavor, and includes arbitrary flavor components in addition to particulate matter such as the above-mentioned “tobacco particles” and the above-mentioned “flavor particles”. In this aspect, the barrier layer can delay release of the flavor component from the flavor component-containing particles included in the flavor layer without contributing to flavor. In this way, the barrier layer can prevent the release amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor layer from decreasing even if the number of puffs of the flavor inhaler is repeated.

In the second aspect, the barrier layer contains a flavor contributing substance that provides a different flavor than the flavor component-containing particles included in the flavor layer. In this aspect, the barrier layer may contain a flavor contributing substance and, if necessary, an additive such as a binder. A flavor contributing substance refers to any substance that contributes to flavor, and includes arbitrary flavor components in addition to particulate matter such as the above-mentioned “tobacco particles” and the above-mentioned “flavor particles”. As a binder, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is mentioned, for example. In this aspect, the barrier layer provides a flavor different from the flavor component-containing particles included in the flavor layer at a relatively early stage of the puff period, and the flavor layer contains flavor components at a relatively later stage of the puff period. Flavor components can be released from the particles. In this way, the barrier layer can prevent the release amount of the flavor component contained in the flavor layer from decreasing even if the number of puffs of the flavor inhaler is repeated.

In the second aspect, the flavor component-containing particles included in the flavor layer are, for example, first tobacco particles, and the flavor contributing substances included in the barrier layer are, for example, a second tobacco particle different from the first tobacco particles. 2 Tobacco particles, or spice particles. Here, "tobacco particles" and "flavor particles" can refer to the above description. Second tobacco particles are tobacco particles that provide a different tobacco flavor than the first tobacco particles. As the second tobacco particles, for example, tobacco particles obtained by a combination (blend) of leaf tobacco different from the first tobacco particles may be used.

Alternatively, in the second aspect, the flavor component-containing particles included in the flavor layer are, for example, first flavor particles, and the flavor contributing substances included in the barrier layer are, for example, tobacco particles or first flavor particles. It is a second perfume particle different from the perfume particle. Here, "tobacco particles" and "flavor particles" can refer to the above description. The second spice particles are spice particles that provide a flavor different from that of the first spice particles. As the first spice particles, for example, menthol-based spice particles (i.e., menthol particles or particles of a menthol analogue having a peppermint smell), and as the second spice particles, for example, non-menthol spice particles (i.e., menthol-based spice particles) spice particles other than the particles) may be used.

When a barrier layer is provided, a variety of flavors tasted by users can be created by a combination of flavor contributing substances included in the barrier layer and flavor ingredient-containing particles included in the flavor layer.

(Manufacturing method of flavor filler)

The flavor filler can be produced, for example, by the following method.

First, a liquid fragrance composition is prepared by mixing flavor ingredient-containing particles, water, and, if necessary, additives such as a binder. Porous cellulose particles are put into a fluidized bed granulator, and hot air is sent from the bottom into the device to form a fluidized bed of porous cellulose particles. The liquid perfume composition is sprayed onto the fluidized bed, and droplets of the liquid perfume composition adhere to the surfaces of the porous cellulose particles. The droplets of the liquid perfume composition adhering to the surface of the porous cellulose particles are quickly dried by hot air, and a flavor layer is formed on the porous cellulose particles.

Alternatively, as another method, porous cellulose particles, flavor ingredient-containing particles, and, if necessary, additives such as binders are put into a powder mixer, and mixed by rotation and shaking. In this way, the flavor component-containing particles are adhered to the surface of the porous cellulose particles to form a flavor layer on the porous cellulose particles.

When the flavor filler further includes a barrier layer, the porous cellulose particles on the surface of which the flavor layer is formed are used as core particles, and the barrier layer can be formed by the same method as the method for forming the flavor layer. .

In this way, since the flavor filler can be produced by coating with nuclear particles, it can be produced by a simple method.

(effect)

The flavor filler of the present invention can enhance the release of flavor components, as demonstrated in the examples described below. This effect is considered to be due to the fact that the flavor ingredient-containing particles are supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles and that the porous cellulose particles have a high porosity. Specifically, since the flavor component-containing particles present on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles are in contact with the outside air, it is thought that the flavor component is easily released from the flavor component-containing particles to the external space. In addition, the voids present inside the porous cellulose particles can generate air flow from the external space toward the voids inside the particles, and this air flow increases the chance of releasing flavor components from the flavor component-containing particles. It is thought that it promotes the release of flavor components. In particular, when the porous cellulose particles have a plurality of pores (i.e., voids) extending radially from the center toward the outer surface, these pores serve as a flow path for air, and from the external space toward the voids inside the particles, It is thought that an air flow can be generated efficiently.

On the other hand, when flavor granules are produced by pressing flavor component-containing particles into granules like known tobacco granules as a tobacco filler, these flavor granules differ from the flavor filler of the present invention in the following two points.

(1) Since flavor granules are entirely composed of flavor component-containing particles, many flavor component-containing particles exist inside the granules.

(2) Since the flavor granules are produced by pressing the flavor ingredient-containing particles into granules and hardening, the inside of the granules does not have as many voids as the porous cellulose particles.

In flavor granules, since many flavor component-containing particles present inside the granules are not in contact with outside air, it is considered that the flavor component cannot be released from the flavor component-containing particles present inside the granules. In addition, since the flavor granules do not have as many voids inside the granules as the porous cellulose particles, the flow of air from the external space toward the inside of the granules cannot be generated as much as the porous cellulose particles, and the flavor existing on the surface of the flavor granules Even if it is an ingredient-containing particle|grain, it is thought that it is difficult to release a flavor component.

Moreover, the flavor filler of this invention has the following advantages. All of the flavor component-containing particles supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles can contribute to release of the flavor component. In addition, as described above, the voids inside the porous cellulose particles generate an air flow from the external space toward the voids inside the particles, creating an environment in which flavor components are easily released from the flavor component-containing particles. This can reduce the amount of flavor ingredient-containing particles required to express a desired flavor, leading to a reduction in manufacturing cost. In addition, since the porous cellulose particles have a high porosity, the flavor filler can be reduced in weight.

<2. Flavor inhaler>

The flavor filler described above can be inserted into a flavor inhaler, preferably a heated flavor inhaler. That is, according to another aspect, a flavor inhaler comprising the above-described flavor filler is provided. A flavor inhaler is a device that includes a flavor source and provides flavor to a user by inhalation. According to a preferred aspect, a heating type flavor inhaler containing the aforementioned flavor filler is provided. A heating type flavor inhaler is a flavor inhaler that provides flavor to a user by heating a flavor source without burning it.

The flavor inhaler of the present invention may have the same configuration as a known flavor inhaler except that all or part of the flavor sources included in the known flavor inhaler are substituted with the spice filler of the present invention at the time of application of the present application.

The flavor filler of the present invention may be used in combination with a normal tobacco filler (ie, tobacco ribs, tobacco granules, sheet tobacco, etc.), or used in combination with a normal tobacco filler (ie, tobacco ribs, tobacco granules, sheet tobacco, etc.) You can use it alone without doing it. The flavor filler of the present invention can be incorporated into the flavor inhaler in an arbitrary amount. The flavor filler of the present invention can be blended in an amount of, for example, 20 to 100% by mass, when all flavor sources contained in one flavor inhaler are 100% by mass.

The heating type flavor inhaler may be heated by a heating device separate from the aspirator or by a heating device integrated with the aspirator. An example of a heating type flavor inhaler will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 .

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a heating type flavor inhaler. Fig. 5 is an exploded view showing an example of a heating type flavor inhaler. The heating type flavor inhaler 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as the flavor inhaler 30) is an electronic cigarette or a nebulizer, and generates an aerosol according to user's inhalation and provides it to the user. In addition, one continuous suction performed by the user is referred to as a "puff". In addition, the flavor inhaler 30 adds components such as flavor to the generated aerosol and releases it into the user's oral cavity.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the flavor inhaler 30 includes a body 30A, an aerosol source holding unit 30B, and an additive ingredient holding unit 30C. The main body 30A supplies power and controls the operation of the entire device. The aerosol source holding unit 30B holds an aerosol source for atomizing and generating an aerosol. 30 C of additive component holding parts hold the tobacco filler 38. The user can inhale the aerosol to which the flavor or the like is added by biting into the suction port, which is the end portion of the additive ingredient holding unit 30C.

Tobacco filler 38 includes the flavor filler of the present invention. As an example, the tobacco filler 38 may include a flavor filler of the present invention comprising tobacco particles, and optionally a conventional tobacco filler (ie, tobacco shreds, tobacco granules, sheet tobacco, etc.). As another example, tobacco filler 38 may include flavor fillers of the present invention that do not include tobacco particles and include flavor particles, as well as conventional tobacco fillers (ie, tobacco shreds, tobacco granules, sheet tobacco, etc.). there is.

The flavor inhaler 30 is formed by users assembling the main body 30A, the aerosol source holding unit 30B, and the additive ingredient holding unit 30C. The main body 30A, the aerosol source holding portion 30B, and the additive ingredient holding portion 30C are cylindrical, truncated cone, etc., each having a predetermined diameter, and the main body 30A, the aerosol source holding portion ( 30B) and the additive component retaining portion 30C in this order. The main body 30A and the aerosol source holding portion 30B are coupled by, for example, screwing of male threaded portions and female threaded portions provided at respective ends. In addition, the aerosol source holding unit 30B and the additive component holding unit 30C are, for example, a cylindrical portion provided at one end of the aerosol source holding unit 30B and tapered to the side. It is engaged by inserting the holding part 30C. In addition, the aerosol source holding unit 30B and the additive ingredient holding unit 30C may be disposable replacement parts.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the inside of the flavor inhaler 30. The body 30A includes a power source 31, a control unit 32, and a suction sensor 33. The control unit 32 is electrically connected to the power supply 31 and the suction sensor 33, respectively. The power source 31 is a secondary battery or the like, and supplies power to the electric circuit included in the flavor inhaler 30 . The controller 32 is a processor such as a micro-control unit (MCU) and controls the operation of an electric circuit included in the flavor inhaler 30 . In addition, the suction sensor 33 is an atmospheric pressure sensor, a flow sensor, or the like. When the user inhales from the intake port of the flavor inhaler 30, the inhalation sensor 33 outputs a negative pressure generated inside the flavor inhaler 30 or a value according to the gas flow rate. That is, the control unit 32 can detect suction based on the output value of the suction sensor 33 .

The aerosol source holding unit 30B of the flavor inhaler 30 includes a storage unit 34, a supply unit 35, a load 36, and a residual amount sensor 37. The reservoir 34 is a container for storing a liquid aerosol source atomized by heating. In addition, the aerosol source is, for example, a polyol-based material such as glycerin or propylene glycol. In addition, the aerosol source may be a mixed liquid further containing a nicotine liquid, water, fragrance, and the like. It is assumed that such an aerosol source is stored in the reservoir 34 in advance. Also, the aerosol source may be a solid that does not require the reservoir 34.

The supply unit 35 includes a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber, for example. The supply unit 35 is connected to the storage unit 34 . Also, the supply unit 35 is connected to the load 36, or at least a part of the supply unit 35 is disposed near the load 36. The aerosol source permeates the wick by capillarity and moves to a portion where the aerosol source can be atomized by heating by the load 36 . In other words, the supply unit 35 sucks up the aerosol source from the storage unit 34 and transfers it to the load 36 or its vicinity. In addition, instead of glass fibers, porous ceramics may be used for the wick.

The load 36 is, for example, a coil-shaped heater, and generates heat as current flows. Further, for example, the load 36 has a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic, and its resistance value is substantially directly proportional to the heating temperature. In addition, the load 36 does not necessarily have to have positive temperature coefficient characteristics, as long as it has a correlation between its resistance value and exothermic temperature. As an example, the load 36 may have a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristic. Further, the load 36 may be wound around the outside of the wick, or conversely, the periphery of the load 36 may be covered by the wick. Power supply to the load 36 is controlled by the controller 32 . When an aerosol source is supplied from the reservoir 34 to the load 36 by the supply unit 35, the aerosol source is evaporated by the heat of the load 36 and an aerosol is generated. Further, the control unit 32 supplies power to the load 36 to generate an aerosol when a suction operation by the user is detected based on the output value of the suction sensor 33 . In addition, when the remaining amount of the aerosol source stored in the reservoir 34 is sufficient, a sufficient amount of aerosol source is supplied even to the load 36, and the heat generated in the load 36 is transported to the aerosol source, in other words. Since the heat generated by the load 36 is used to raise the temperature and vaporize the aerosol source, the temperature of the load 36 rarely exceeds a predetermined temperature designed in advance. On the other hand, when the aerosol source stored in the reservoir 34 is exhausted, the supply amount of the aerosol source to the load 36 per hour decreases. As a result, since the heat generated by the load 36 is not transported to the aerosol source, in other words, the heat generated by the load 36 is not used for temperature rise and vaporization of the aerosol source, so the load 36 is overheated. , and accordingly, the resistance value of the load 36 also increases.

The residual amount sensor 37 outputs sensing data for estimating the residual amount of the aerosol source stored in the reservoir 34 based on the temperature of the load 36 . For example, the remaining capacity sensor 37 includes a resistor for measuring current (shunt resistor) connected in series with the load 36, and a measuring device connected in parallel with the resistor and measuring the voltage value of the resistor. . In addition, a resistor is a predetermined constant value whose resistance value hardly changes with temperature. Therefore, based on the voltage value measured with the existing resistance value, the value of the current flowing through the resistor is obtained.

The additive ingredient holding part 30C of the flavor inhaler 30 holds the tobacco filler 38 inside. As described above, the tobacco filler 38 includes the flavor filler of the present invention. As described above, the tobacco filler 38 may contain a normal tobacco filler in addition to the flavor filler of the present invention. A normal tobacco filler can be constituted by, for example, a piece of tobacco meat and/or sheet tobacco cut into a predetermined width (cutting material of sheet tobacco).

In addition, the additive ingredient holding unit 30C is provided with ventilation holes on the suction port side and at a portion coupled to the aerosol source holding unit 30B, and when the user sucks in the suction port, negative pressure is applied to the inside of the additive component holding unit 30C. When this occurs, the aerosol generated in the aerosol source holder 30B is sucked in, and components such as nicotine and flavor are added to the aerosol inside the additive component holder 30C and released into the user's oral cavity.

<3. Preferred embodiment>

Below, preferred embodiment of this invention is put together and shown.

[1] Porous cellulose particles having a porosity of 40% or more,

A flavor layer supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles and containing flavor ingredient-containing particles

A flavor filler for a flavor inhaler comprising a.

[2] The flavor filler according to [1], wherein the porous cellulose particles have a porosity of 50% or more, preferably 60% or more, more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 80% or more.

[3] The porous cellulose particles have a porosity of 50 to 95%, preferably 60 to 95%, more preferably 70% to 95%, and still more preferably 80% to 95% [1] or [ The flavor filler described in 2].

[4] The porous cellulose particles have a plurality of pores extending radially from the center of the porous cellulose particles toward the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles [1] to [3] The flavor filler according to any one of the above.

[5] porous cellulose particles having a plurality of pores extending radially from the center of the particle toward the outer surface of the particle;

A flavor layer supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles and containing flavor ingredient-containing particles

A flavor filler for a flavor inhaler comprising a.

[6] The flavor filler according to [5], wherein the porous cellulose particles have a porosity of 50% or more, preferably 60% or more, more preferably 70% or more, and still more preferably 80% or more.

[7] The porous cellulose particles have a porosity of 50 to 95%, preferably 60 to 95%, more preferably 70% to 95%, and still more preferably 80% to 95% [5] or [ The flavor filler described in [6].

[8] The flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the flavor component-containing particles are tobacco particles.

[9] The flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the flavor component-containing particles are flavor particles.

[10] Any one of [1] to [9], wherein the porous cellulose particles have a bulk density of 0.1 to 0.6 g/mL, preferably 0.1 to 0.4 g/mL, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.3 g/mL. The flavor filler described in one.

[11] The flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [10], wherein the porous cellulose particles are spherical.

[12] The flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [11], wherein the flavor ingredient-containing particles have an average particle diameter larger than the average pore diameter of the porous cellulose particles.

[13] The flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [12], wherein the flavor layer is present in a greater amount from the center of the porous cellulose particles toward the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles.

[14] The flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [13], wherein the porous cellulose particles have an average particle diameter of 300 to 2000 µm, preferably 300 to 850 µm.

[15] The flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [14], wherein the porous cellulose particles have an average pore diameter of 0.3 to 1000 μm, preferably 0.3 to 200 μm, and more preferably 6 to 40 μm.

[16] The flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [15], wherein the flavor ingredient-containing particles have an average particle diameter of 0.3 to 1000 μm, preferably 50 to 200 μm, and more preferably 60 to 80 μm.

[17] The flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [16] further comprising a barrier layer on the flavor layer.

[18] The flavor filler according to [17], wherein the barrier layer contains a binder but does not contain a flavor contributing substance.

[19] The flavor filler according to [17], wherein the barrier layer contains a flavor contributing substance that provides a flavor different from that of the flavor component-containing particles included in the flavor layer.

[20] The flavor filler according to [19], wherein the flavor component-containing particles are first tobacco particles, and the flavor contributing substances are second tobacco particles different from the first tobacco particles, or flavor particles.

[21] The flavor filler according to [19], wherein the flavor component-containing particles are first flavor particles, and the flavor contributing substances are tobacco particles or second flavor particles different from the first flavor particles.

[22] A flavor inhaler comprising the flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [21].

[23] A heating type flavor inhaler comprising the flavor filler according to any one of [1] to [21].

Example

[1] Preparation of flavor filler

Flavor Filler A:

As the porous cellulose particles, porous cellulose particles (average particle diameter: 700 µm, porosity: 87%, bulk density: 0.2 g/mL) sold under the trade name Viscopearl by Rengo Co., Ltd. were used. Viscopearl had a plurality of pores extending radially from the center of the particle toward the outer surface of the particle (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and the average pore diameter was 0.5 μm. As the flavor component-containing particles, tobacco particles (average particle diameter: 100 μm) were used. Tobacco particles were prepared from leaf scraps generated as a by-product in the manufacturing process of tobacco products, ie, leaf scraps generated in the working process of a raw material factory or manufacturing plant. The prepared tobacco particles contain a binder.

First, a liquid flavor composition was prepared by mixing 45 g of tobacco particles and 300 g of water. 346 g of porous cellulose particles were put into a particle coating machine (SPC-01, manufactured by Faulec), and hot air was blown from the bottom into the machine to form a fluidized bed of porous cellulose particles. The above-described liquid perfume composition was sprayed onto the fluidized bed, thereby adhering droplets of the liquid perfume composition to the surfaces of the flowing porous cellulose particles. The droplets of the liquid perfume composition adhering to the surface of the porous cellulose particles were quickly dried by hot air, and a flavor layer containing tobacco particles was formed on the porous cellulose particles. The resulting composite particles are referred to as "flavor filler A".

Flavor Filler B:

As the porous cellulose particles, porous cellulose particles (average particle diameter: 300 μm, porosity: 87%, bulk density: 0.2 g/mL) sold under the trade name Viscopearl by Rengo Co., Ltd. were used. Viscopearl had a plurality of pores extending radially from the center of the particle toward the outer surface of the particle (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and the average pore diameter was 0.5 μm. Tobacco particles (average particle diameter: 100 μm) were used as flavor component-containing particles. Tobacco particles were prepared from leaf scraps generated as a by-product in the manufacturing process of tobacco products, ie, leaf scraps generated in the working process of a raw material factory or manufacturing plant. The prepared tobacco particles contain a binder.

3389 g of porous cellulose particles, 441 g of tobacco particles, and 345 g of fragrance (liquid containing ethanol as the main component (content: 20 to 30%)) Spices) were added and mixed by rotation and shaking. As a result, the tobacco particles were adhered to the surface of the porous cellulose particles, and a flavor layer containing the tobacco particles was formed on the porous cellulose particles. The resulting composite particles are referred to as "flavor filler B".

Flavor Filler C:

Flavor filler B and In the same way, a flavor layer containing tobacco particles was formed on the porous cellulose particles. Viscopearl had a plurality of pores extending radially from the center of the particle toward the outer surface of the particle (see Figs. 1 and 2), and the average pore diameter was 0.5 µm. The resulting composite particles are referred to as "flavor filler C".

Flavor Filler D:

Flavor filler B and In the same way, a flavor layer containing tobacco particles was formed on the porous cellulose particles. Viscopearl had a plurality of pores extending radially from the center of the particle toward the outer surface of the particle (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and the average pore diameter was 105 μm. The resulting composite particles are referred to as "flavor filler D".

Flavor Filler E:

Instead of porous cellulose particles, glass particles (average particle diameter: 710-1000 μm, porosity: 0%, bulk density: 1.5 g/mL) sold by Aswon under the trade name Glass Beads ASGB-20 were used, except for the use of flavor In the same manner as in filler A, a flavor layer containing tobacco particles was formed on the glass particles. The resulting composite particles are referred to as "flavor filler E".

Flavor Filler F:

240 kg of tobacco particles (average particle diameter: 200 μm), 16.85 kg of binder (HPC), and 72.8 kg of potassium carbonate aqueous solution were mixed in a mixer. The obtained mixture was molded using an extrusion granulator (EM-15, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Co., Ltd.) to obtain a granulated material having a diameter of 0.9 mm. The granulated material was dried, and then classified into a size of 300 to 840 µm to obtain flavor granules.

The resulting flavor granules are referred to as "flavor filler F". Flavor filler F had a porosity of 30% and a bulk density of 0.55 g/mL.

[2] Evaluation method

Flavor fillers A to F were filled into the additive ingredient holding portion 30C (i.e., capsule) of the heating type flavor inhaler 30 shown in Figs. 4 to 6, respectively, to produce flavor inhalers A to F. The filling amount (mass) of the flavor fillers A to F was adjusted so that the filling rate (volume) in the capsule was substantially the same. Table 1 shows the filling amounts of flavor fillers A to F.

The heated flavor inhaler was sucked up to 50 puffs with an automatic inhaler, and the nicotine content in the smoke was measured for each puff. The nicotine content measured for each puff was summed up, and it was set as "nicotine delivery amount (mg)." In addition, before inhalation, the nicotine content (mg) in the flavor filler contained in one capsule was measured by GC-MS.

Nicotine release efficiency (%) was calculated by the following formula.

Nicotine release efficiency (%) = (nicotine delivery amount / nicotine content in flavor filler) × 100

In addition, in the Example, nicotine, one of the flavor components, was used as an index in order to investigate the release amount of flavor components from the flavor filler.

[3] Evaluation results

The results of nicotine release efficiency are shown in the table below.

From the results in Table 1, it was found that the flavor inhalers A to D had higher nicotine release efficiency than the flavor inhalers E and F.

The reason why the flavor fillers A to D were able to achieve high nicotine release efficiency will be considered below.

In the flavor inhalers A to D, most of the tobacco particles are supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles from the relationship between the particle diameter of the tobacco particles and the pore diameter of the porous cellulose particles, so that the flavor components contained in the tobacco particles are released into the external space. I think it was easy to release. In addition, in the flavor absorbers A to D, the porous cellulose particles have a plurality of pores (i.e., voids) inside the particles, and these voids can generate air flow from the external space toward the voids inside the particles. It is believed that the air flow increased the chance of releasing flavor components from the tobacco particles. In particular, since the porous cellulose particles had a plurality of pores (i.e., voids) extending radially from the center toward the outer surface, these pores serve as a flow path for air, and from the external space toward the voids inside the particles, It is thought that it was able to generate the flow of air efficiently.

On the other hand, in the flavor inhaler E, since the glass particles do not have a plurality of holes (i.e., voids) inside the particles, air flow from the outer space toward the inside of the particles cannot be generated, and the tobacco particles present on the surface of the glass particles Even if it is, it is thought that it was difficult to release the flavor component.

Since the flavor inhaler F contains, as a flavor filler, flavor granules obtained by extruding a mixture containing tobacco particles, it is considered that the flavor component could not be released from the tobacco particles existing inside the granules. In addition, since the flavor absorber F does not have as many voids inside the granules as the porous cellulose particles, the flow of air from the external space toward the inside of the granules does not occur as much as the porous cellulose particles, and the surface of the flavor granules It is thought that it was difficult to release the flavor component even if it was the tobacco particles present in the .

One… Porous cellulose particles, 1a... hole, 1b... outer surface, 2 . . . flavor layer, 10 . . . flavor filler, 30 . . . Heated flavor inhaler, 30A… Body, 30B... Aerosol One holding part, 30C... Added ingredient retaining part, 31 . . . Power, 32... control unit, 33 . . . suction sensor, 34 . . . reservoir, 35 . . . Supply unit, 36 . . . load, 37... Remaining amount sensor, 38 . . . cigarette filling

Claims (16)

Porous cellulose particles having a porosity of 40% or more;
A flavor layer supported on the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles and containing flavor ingredient-containing particles
A flavor filler for a flavor inhaler comprising a. The method of claim 1,
The flavor filler wherein the flavor ingredient-containing particles are tobacco particles. The method of claim 1,
A flavor filler wherein the flavor ingredient-containing particles are flavor particles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The flavor filler wherein the porous cellulose particles have a porosity of 50% or more. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The flavor filler having a plurality of pores in which the porous cellulose particles radially extend from the center of the porous cellulose particles toward the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The flavor filler in which the flavor ingredient-containing particles have an average particle diameter larger than the average pore diameter of the porous cellulose particles. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The flavor filler present in a greater amount as the flavor layer moves from the center of the porous cellulose particles toward the outer surface of the porous cellulose particles. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A flavor filler wherein the porous cellulose particles have an average particle diameter of 300 to 2000 μm. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The flavor filler wherein the porous cellulose particles have an average pore diameter of 0.3 to 1000 μm. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A flavor filler wherein the flavor ingredient-containing particles have an average particle diameter of 0.3 to 1000 μm. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Flavor filler further comprising a barrier layer on the flavor layer. The method of claim 11,
A flavor filler wherein the barrier layer comprises a binder but no flavor contributing material. The method of claim 11,
A flavor filler in which the barrier layer includes a flavor contributing substance that provides a flavor different from that of the flavor component-containing particles included in the flavor layer. The method of claim 13,
A flavor filler wherein the flavor component-containing particles are first tobacco particles and the flavor contributing substances are second tobacco particles different from the first tobacco particles, or flavor particles. The method of claim 13,
A flavor filler wherein the flavor ingredient-containing particles are first flavor particles and the flavor contributing substances are tobacco particles or second flavor particles different from the first flavor particles. A flavor inhaler comprising the flavor filler according to any one of claims 1 to 15.