FILTER SECTION FOR FLAVOR INHALATION ARTICLE AND FLAVOR INHALATION ARTICLE

Abstract

A filter section for a flavor inhalation article, comprising a paper filter, and an object disposed within the paper filter, wherein the object is harder than the paper filter at a position where the object is not disposed.

Claims

1. A filter section for a flavor inhalation article, comprising: a paper filter; and an object disposed within the paper filter, wherein the object is harder than the paper filter at a position where the object is not disposed.

2. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, wherein the hardness of the filter section at a position corresponding to the object is 85% or more when measured with a Borgwaldt DD60A.

3. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, wherein the stress at a predetermined strain of the filter section at a position corresponding to the object is 1.0 N or more and 10 N or less at a strain rate of 10%.

4. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 3, wherein the stress at a predetermined strain of the filter section at a position not corresponding to the object is 0.2 N or more and 1.5 N or less at a strain rate of 10%.

5. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, wherein the object is an elongated hollow or solid three-dimensional body and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the filter section.

6. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, wherein the paper filter is a filter filled with a sheet member.

7. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 6, wherein the paper filter is a filter filled with the sheet member so that voids are formed across the longitudinal direction of the filter section.

8. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 6, wherein the paper filter is a filter in which the sheet member, which is made of paper or nonwoven fabric, is crimped.

9. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 6, wherein the paper filter is a filter in which the sheet member is gathered.

10. A flavor inhalation article comprising the filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, and a substrate section including an aerosol source.

11. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 10, wherein the flavor inhalation article is a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation article.

12. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 10, wherein the flavor inhalation article is a combustion-type flavor inhalation article.

13. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, wherein the object comprises a paper tube formed by winding a sheet member.

14. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 13, wherein the paper tube is a spiral paper tube formed by spirally winding multiple sheet members.

15. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, wherein the object has a wall thickness of 50 m or more and 500 m or less.

16. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of an area of the object to an area of the filter section is 15% or more and 50% or less in cross-section.

17. The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to claim 1, wherein the object is positioned so as not to protrude from an end face of the paper filter.

18. The flavor inhalation article according to claim 10, comprising: a tubular chamber positioned between the substrate section and the filter section, the tubular chamber being configured to cool vapor generated by heating the substrate section.

19. A filter comprising: a paper filter element filled with a sheet member and having voids extending in a longitudinal direction; and a structural reinforcement element positioned within the paper filter element, wherein the structural reinforcement element has greater rigidity than the paper filter element.

20. A filter for an inhalation article comprising: a columnar paper filter: a tubular insert disposed within the columnar paper filter, the tubular insert having an open cross-section; and wrapping material surrounding the columnar paper filter, wherein the tubular insert provides enhanced structural integrity to a localized region of the filter section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the first embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device according to the first embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the filter section according to the first embodiment, where (A) is a cross-section of section I-I in FIG. 1, and (B) is an example of the cross-section of section II-II in FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the filter section according to the first embodiment, where (A) is a cross-section of section I-I in FIG. 1, and (B) is another example of the cross-section of section II-II in FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the filter section of a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation article according to the first embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a hardness measurement device according to the first embodiment, where (A) shows a perspective view of the entire device, and (B) shows an example of the device in use.

[0034] FIG. 7 shows an example of the use of the hardness measurement device according to the first embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the first embodiment, where (A) shows an object with a sharp second side, and (B) shows a longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article with an object that narrows from the first side to the second side.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the first embodiment, where (A) shows the object positioned on the second side within the filter, and (B) shows the object positioned closer to the center within the filter.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the first embodiment, where (A) shows an object with the same size in the centerline direction as the filter positioned within the filter, and (B) shows multiple objects positioned within the filter.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the second embodiment, where (A) shows the object positioned on the first side within the filter, and (B) shows the object positioned on the second side within the filter.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the second embodiment, where (A) shows the object positioned on the first side within the filter, and (B) shows the object positioned on the second side within the filter.

[0040] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the third embodiment, where (A) shows the object positioned on the first side of the aerosol modifier, and (B) shows the object positioned on the second side of the aerosol modifier.

[0041] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the fourth embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the fourth embodiment, where (A) shows the object positioned on the second side within the filter, (B) shows the object positioned closer to the center within the filter, and (C) shows multiple objects positioned within the filter.

[0043] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the fifth embodiment, where (A) shows the object positioned on the first side within the filter, and (B) shows the object positioned on the second side within the filter.

[0044] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the fifth embodiment, where (A) shows the object positioned on the first side within the filter, and (B) shows the object positioned on the second side within the filter.

[0045] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article according to the sixth embodiment, where (A) shows the object positioned on the first side of the aerosol modifier, (B) shows the object positioned on the second side of the aerosol modifier, and (C) shows the object positioned on both the first and second sides of the aerosol modifier.

[0046] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the definition of hardness in the first embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 20 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the stress at a predetermined strain in the first embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between strain rate and stress.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts.

<Heat-Not-Burn Flavor Inhalation Article>

[0050] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a longitudinal section of a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as flavor inhalation article 1) comprises a substrate section 10 and a filter section 30. The flavor inhalation article 1 may also include a cooling section 20. The mouthpiece segment 50 is something that may be held in the mouth by the user during inhalation, and in the example of FIG. 1, includes the cooling section 20 and the filter section 30. The substrate section 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Hereinafter, the direction of the centerline CL of the substrate section 10 may be referred to as the centerline direction. The flavor inhalation article 1 is wrapped in a state where the substrate section 10, the cooling section 20, and the filter section 30 are arranged in order in the centerline direction, thereby integrating them, and further includes a tip paper 40.

[0052] Hereinafter, one end side in the centerline direction (the left side in FIG. 1) may be referred to as the first side, and the other end side in the centerline direction (the right side in FIG. 1) may be referred to as the second side. The first side is the end side that is inserted into the inhalation device 100 and is upstream in the flow of aerosol during inhalation. The second side is the opposite side of the first side and is the end side held in the mouth by the user for inhalation, and is downstream in the flow of aerosol during inhalation. Furthermore, a cross-section along the centerline direction is referred to as a longitudinal section, and a cross-section cut on a plane orthogonal to the centerline direction is defined as a cross-section.

[Usage Form of Flavor Inhalation Article 1]

[0053] The flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment is used in a non-combustion heating-type inhalation device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the inhalation device 100 includes a power supply unit 111 that accumulates power and supplies power to each component of the inhalation device 100, a sensor unit 112 that detects various information related to the inhalation device 100, and a notification unit 113 that notifies the user of information. The inhalation device 100 also includes a memory unit 114 that stores various information for the operation of the inhalation device 100, a communication unit 115 for transmitting and receiving information between the inhalation device 100 and other devices, and a control unit 116 that controls the overall operation within the inhalation device 100. Additionally, the inhalation device 100 includes a heating unit 121 that heats the flavor inhalation article 1, a holding unit 140 that holds the flavor inhalation article 1, an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside, and a heat insulation unit 144 that prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to other components of the inhalation device 100. In the inhalation device 100, inhalation is performed by the user with the flavor inhalation article 1 held in the holding unit 140.

[0054] The heating unit 121 heats the substrate section 10 of the flavor inhalation article 1. The heating unit 121 is formed by any material such as a metal or polyimide. For example, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and disposed so as to cover the outer circumference of the holding portion 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the aerosol source 11 contained in the flavor inhalation article 1 is heated from the outer circumference of the flavor inhalation article 1. The heating unit 121 generates heat when powered by the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that a predetermined user input has been made. When the temperature of the flavor inhalation article 1 heated by the heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature, inhalation by the user becomes possible. Subsequently, if a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 112, the power supply may be stopped. As another example, during the period when inhalation by the user is detected by the sensor unit 112, power may be supplied, and aerosol may be generated.

[0055] The heat insulation unit 144 is arranged to cover at least the outer circumference of the heating unit 121. For example, the heat insulating unit 144 is configured by a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material, etc. Note that a vacuum insulation material is an insulation material that, for example, wraps glass wool and silica (silicon powder) in a resin film and creates a high vacuum state, thereby bringing heat conduction by gas close to zero.

[Flavor Inhalation Article 1]

[0056] The flavor inhalation article 1 is a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation article.

[0057] The cross-section of the flavor inhalation article 1 is substantially circular, and the circumference can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 16 mm or more and 27 mm or less, and preferably 21 mm or more and 23 mm or less. Note that if the cross-section is not circular, the above circumference is applied by assuming a circle having the same area as that cross-section, and the circumference of that circle is used.

[0058] The size in the centerline direction of the flavor inhalation article 1 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 40 mm or more and 100 mm or less, and preferably 50 mm or more and 70 mm or less.

[Filter Section 30]

[0059] The filter section 30, which is a feature of the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment, will be described.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the filter section 30 according to the first embodiment, where (A) is a cross-section of section I-I in FIG. 1, and (B) is an example of the cross-section of section II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the filter section 30 according to the first embodiment, where (A) is a cross-section of section I-I in FIG. 1, and (B) is another example of the cross-section of section II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the filter section 30 of the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0061] The filter section 30 is formed in a columnar shape with a size in the centerline direction larger than the width of the cross-section. Therefore, the filter section 30 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is in the centerline direction.

[0062] The filter section 30 includes a filter 31 through which aerosol passes, an object 33 that changes the flow path within the filter 31, and a wrapping paper 35 that is present between the filter 31 and the tip paper 40 and is wrapped around the outer circumferential surface of the filter 31 (see FIG. 1). The filter section 30 is connected (linked) to the cooling section 20 by being integrally wrapped with the cooling section 20 and the filter section 30 using the tip paper 40 (see FIG. 1). Note that the wrapping paper 35 may not be included.

[0063] The mode of the wrapping paper 35 is not particularly limited and may include seams containing one or more rows of adhesive. The adhesive may include a hot melt adhesive, and the hot melt adhesive may further include polyvinyl alcohol. Also, if the filter section 30 consists of two or more members, it is preferable that the wrapping paper wraps each of these two or more members and then further wraps them together with another wrapping paper.

[0064] The material of the wrapping paper 35 is not particularly limited and known materials can be used, and fillers such as calcium carbonate may also be included.

[0065] The thickness of the wrapping paper 35 is not particularly limited, usually being 20 m or more and 140 m or less, preferably 30 m or more and 130 m or less, and more preferably 30 m or more and 120 m or less.

[0066] The basis weight of the wrapping paper 35 is not particularly limited, usually being 20 gsm or more and 100 gsm or less, preferably 22 gsm or more and 95 gsm or less, and more preferably 23 gsm or more and 90 gsm or less.

[0067] The air permeability of the wrapping paper 35 is not particularly limited, but is usually 0 Coresta units or more and 30,000 Coresta units or less, preferably more than 0 Coresta units and 10,000 Coresta units or less.

[0068] Also, the wrapping paper 35 may or may not be coated, but from the viewpoint of imparting functions other than strength and structural rigidity, it is preferably coated with a desired material.

[0069] The cross-section of the filter 31 of the filter part 30 is substantially circular, and the circumference can be changed as appropriate according to the size of the product, but may be 22 mm or more and 25 mm or less. Note that if the cross-section is not circular, the above circumference is applied by assuming a circle having the same area as that cross-section, and the circumference of that circle is used.

[0070] The size in the centerline direction of the filter section 30 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 5.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less, preferably 12.5 mm or more and 27.5 mm or less, and more preferably 15.0 mm or more and 25.0 mm or less.

[0071] The air resistance per 10 mm in the centerline direction of the filter section 30 is not particularly limited, but is usually 0 mmH.sub.2O or more and 100 mmH.sub.2O or less, preferably 10 mmH.sub.2O or more and 80 mmH.sub.2O or less, and more preferably 10 mmH.sub.2O or more and 50 mmH.sub.2O or less.

[0072] The air resistance is measured using, for example, a Cerulean filter air resistance measuring device according to the ISO standard method (ISO 6565). The air resistance of the filter section 30 refers to the pressure difference between the first side and the second side when a predetermined air flow rate (17.5 cc/min) of air is passed from the first side to the second side in a state where air does not pass through the side surface of the filter section 30. The units are generally expressed in mmH.sub.2O.

[0073] The filter 31 is a so-called paper filter, and is a paper filter in which a void 31b is formed as a channel through which aerosol can pass in the centerline direction inside the filter 31 during inhalation of the flavor inhalation article 1 by the user. For example, the filter 31 is a paper filter formed by being filled with a sheet member 31a. Specifically, the filter 31 is a paper filter formed by being filled with a sheet member 31a to ensure a passage path for aerosol extending in the centerline direction.

[0074] The filling density of the sheet member 31a constituting the filter 31 is not particularly limited, but is usually 90 mg/cm.sup.3 or more and 720 mg/cm.sup.3 or less. As shown in region 302 of FIG. 5, the filling density of the sheet member 31a in the region 302 where the object 33 is not disposed is preferably 90 mg/cm.sup.3 or more and 360 mg/cm.sup.3 or less, and more preferably 150 mg/cm.sup.3 or more and 240 mg/cm.sup.3 or less. Also, as shown in region 301 of FIG. 5, the filling density of the sheet member 31a in the region 301 where the object 33 is disposed is preferably 105 mg/cm.sup.3 or more and 720 mg/cm.sup.3 or less, and more preferably 170 mg/cm.sup.3 or more and 480 mg/cm.sup.3 or less.

[0075] The material of the sheet member 31a constituting the filter 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can realize the general functions of a filter, but is preferably paper or nonwoven fabric with pulp as the main component, and more preferably paper. Additionally, materials such as polymer sheets or metal sheets may be used for the sheet member 31a constituting the filter 31. The general functions of a filter include, for example, adjusting the amount of air mixed during aerosol inhalation, reducing flavor, and reducing nicotine and tar, but it is not necessary to have all these functions. In heat-not-burn flavor inhalation articles 1, which tend to have fewer generated components and a lower filling rate of the aerosol source 11 compared to paper-wrapped tobacco products, it is also important to prevent the detachment of members contained within the flavor inhalation article 1 while suppressing the filtration function.

[0076] The density of the sheet member 31a itself is preferably 0.05 g/cm.sup.3 or more from the viewpoint of realizing the general functions of a filter, and more preferably 0.5 g/cm.sup.3 or more. The thickness of the sheet member 31a is preferably 0.03 mm or more, more preferably 0.05 mm or more, and the upper limit is preferably 1.20 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0077] In this embodiment, the filter 31 is formed by a sheet member 31a that is folded or provided with wrinkles or gathers, and is filled to ensure a passage path for aerosol extending in the centerline direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(A), the filter 31 is a paper filter filled with a sheet member 31a so that a void 31b is formed across the longitudinal direction of the filter section 30, and is a paper filter with a gathered sheet member 31a. Here, gathered means that the sheet member 31a is filled in a state folded back multiple times horizontally in the centerline direction of the filter 31.

[0078] The sheet member 31a constituting the filter 31 may be a single sheet or two or more sheets. Also, folds or pleats are not necessary as long as a passage path for aerosol extending in the centerline direction is ensured. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the filter 31 may be a paper filter filled with a strip-shaped sheet member 31a.

[0079] By crimping the entire sheet member 31a, voids 31b can be efficiently formed in the sheet member 31a. Crimping is a process of providing wrinkles to the sheet member 31a . . . . For example, by passing the sheet member 31a to be processed between a pair of rollers having multiple protrusions on the surface, wrinkles extending orthogonally to the transport direction of the sheet member 31a can be provided on both the front and back surfaces of the sheet member 31a, thereby performing crimping.

[0080] The object 33 is disposed within the filter 31 and is a member that changes the flow path within the filter 31 and has a filtration function for the passing aerosol that is more suppressed than that of the filter 31. In this embodiment, a paper filter is used, but paper filters are generally softer than filters using fibers such as cellulose acetate, so the entire filter section 30 becomes softer than when fibers such as cellulose acetate are used. The object 33 is made of a material that is harder than the filter 31 at a position where the object 33 is not disposed, to prevent the entire filter section 30 from becoming too soft due to the use of a paper filter. The use of the object 33 makes it possible to impart the desired hardness to the desired position of the filter section 30, improving the sensation of holding the flavor inhalation article in the mouth or hand, and further improving the ease of inserting and attaching the flavor inhalation article to the inhalation device when the flavor inhalation article is a heat-not-burn type.

[0081] There may be one of the object 33 or two or more. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(B), one object 33 may be disposed within the filter 31, or as shown in FIG. 4(B), multiple objects 33 may be disposed within the filter 31.

[0082] In the cross-section of the object 33, the shape of the outer circumference can be appropriately changed to match the shape of the filter section 30. A typical example of the shape of the outer circumference is a circle, but an ellipse, polygon, rounded polygon, etc., are also possible.

[0083] Also, in the cross-section, the ratio of the area of the object 33 to the area of the filter section 30 is not particularly limited, but can be 15% or more and 50% or less, and preferably 20% or more and 40% or less. Note that when multiple objects 33 are disposed within the filter 31, it is preferable that the total area ratio of the multiple objects 33 to the area of the filter section 30 in one cross-section is within the above range. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, when the object 33 is a hollow member with both ends open in the centerline direction, the internal area of the hollow member is also included in the area of the object 33 in the aforementioned area ratio.

[0084] When the shape of the outer circumference of the object 33 in the cross-section is substantially circular, the circumference can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 6 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and more preferably 9 mm or more and 11 mm or less. Also, the ratio of the circumference of the object 33 to the circumference of the filter 31 is usually 0.20 or more and less than 0.70, and more preferably 0.35 or more and 0.50 or less. Note that if the cross-section is not circular, the above circumference is applied by assuming a circle having the same area as that cross-section, and the circumference of that circle is used.

[0085] In other words, the length of the object 33 along the longitudinal direction of the filter section 30 is preferably not longer than the length of the filter 31 along the longitudinal direction of the filter section 30. The object 33 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the filter section 30. Additionally, when the size of the object 33 in the centerline direction is smaller than the size of the filter 31 in the centerline direction, it is preferable that the difference between the size of the object 33 in the centerline direction and the size of the filter 31 in the centerline direction is 2 mm or more. By making the size of the object 33 smaller than the size of the filter 31 in the centerline direction, the object 33 does not protrude from at least one end face of the filter 31, allowing the end face of the filter 31 to have a similar appearance to that of a filter used in a flavor inhalation article without the object 33. By making the object 33 at least 2 mm smaller than the filter 31 in the centerline direction, the object 33 can be made invisible from at least one end of the filter 31.

[0086] The object 33 is preferably a hollow member with a hollow cross-section and at least one open end in the centerline direction, and more preferably a hollow member with both ends open in the centerline direction. By making the object 33 a hollow member with both ends open in the centerline direction, the filtration function for the passing aerosol can be suppressed compared to a member with one closed end, thereby improving the delivery efficiency of the flavor.

[0087] When the object 33 is a hollow member with both ends open in the centerline direction, the aerosol passing through the object 33 is not filtered at all. Additionally, a filtration rate lower than that of the filter 31 includes a filtration rate of 0%. Note that when the object 33 is a hollow member with both ends open in the centerline direction, the flow path of the aerosol passing through the filter 31 is limited to within the object 33 or the filter 31, so in this case as well, the object 33 is considered capable of changing the flow path of the aerosol within the filter 31.

[0088] Here, a specific example of the configuration of the object 33 will be described.

[0089] For example, the object 33 is a tube formed so that the cross-section becomes hollow, such as a cylinder, by winding a sheet member 31a that includes a material similar to the sheet member 31a constituting the filter 31. Specifically, the object 33 is a paper tube formed by winding paper. By making the object 33 a paper tube, the material constituting the object 33 can be made substantially the same as that of the filter 31.

[0090] The object 33 is a so-called spiral paper tube, which is a paper tube formed spirally winding multiple sheet members 31a, including at least paper, adhered to each other. In the manufacturing method of the spiral paper tube, it is possible to easily form a paper tube with a circular cross-section. By adopting a spiral paper tube for the object 33, the strength of the object 33 can be improved while suppressing the area ratio of the object 33 to the area of the filter section 30. Additionally, by laminating sheet members 31a containing fragrance components, flavor components, tobacco powder, etc., with paper, new flavors can be imparted to the aerosol.

[0091] Alternatively, the object 33 may be a so-called straight paper tube, which is a paper tube formed by winding paper into a cylindrical shape multiple times. In the manufacturing method of the straight paper tube, the amount of glue used for adhering the paper can be reduced compared to the manufacturing method of the spiral paper tube.

[0092] Additionally, the object 33 may be a paper tube formed by laminating multiple sheet members 31a, including at least paper. By laminating multiple sheet members 31a, the strength of the object 33 can be maintained even when the basis weight of each sheet member 31a is small.

[0093] Note that the object 33 is not limited to a paper tube formed by winding paper and may be formed by a tube of synthetic resin or the like that already has a hollow cross-section. When the object 33 is a tube, the wall thickness of this tube is not particularly limited, usually being 50 m or more and 500 m or less, and preferably 100 m or more and 250 m or less. For example, when the sheet members 31a overlap, the total thickness of the overlapping sheet members 31a should be within the above range. By setting the wall thickness of the tube within the above range, deformation of the object 33 due to external pressure from the filter 31 or the like can be suppressed.

[0094] The object 33 is a hollow member with a hollow cross-section, but this configuration is not a limitation as long as the filtration rate is lower than that of the filter 31. The object 33 may be formed by a solid member with a solid cross-section, such as cellulose acetate fibers, which have a lower filtration rate than paper.

[0095] The shape of the end of the object 33 in the centerline direction is planar in the example shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited to this and may not be planar.

[0096] In the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the hardness of the filter section 30 at the position corresponding to the object 33 (region 301 in FIG. 5) is preferably 85% or more, and more preferably 90% or more, when measured with a Borgwaldt DD60A Densimeter (manufactured by Borgwaldt, hereinafter referred to as measurement device 8). The hardness is theoretically 100% or less, and usually preferably 98% or less. When the hardness of the filter section 30 meets these values, it becomes possible to impart the desired hardness to the desired position of the filter section 30, improving the sensation of holding the flavor inhalation article in the mouth or hand, and further improving the workability of inserting and attaching the flavor inhalation article to the inhalation device when the flavor inhalation article is a heat-not-burn type. Note that the filter section 30 to be measured refers to the columnar body combining the filter 31, in which the object 33 is disposed, and the wrapping paper 35 and tip paper 40 wound around its outer circumferential surface. If there is no wrapping paper 35, it refers to the columnar body with the outer circumferential surface of the filter 31 wound by the tip paper 40.

[0097] The hardness will be explained using FIGS. 6, 7, and 19. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the hardness measurement device 8 according to the first embodiment, where (A) shows a perspective view of the entire measurement device 8, and (B) shows an example of the use of the measurement device 8. FIG. 7 shows another example of the use of the hardness measurement device 8 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the definition of hardness in the first embodiment.

[0098] In this embodiment, hardness means the resistance to deforming the object to be measured. When a load F is applied to the filter section 30 at the position corresponding to the object 33 (region 301 in FIG. 5), the filter section deforms in the diameter direction (height direction). In the measurement device 8, the filter section 30 is arranged in 10 or 20 pieces on the base 88, and the diameter change (strain) of the filter section 30 when a predetermined weight is applied for a predetermined time with the contactor 86 is measured. Using the diameter Ds (pre-strain diameter) of the filter section before applying the load (311 in FIG. 19) and the height Dd of the filter section after applying the load (312 in FIG. 19), the hardness is expressed by the following formula.

[00001]$\mathrm{Hardness}\left(\%\right)=\left(\mathrm{Dd}\left(\mathrm{post}-\mathrm{strain}\mathrm{height}\right)\right)\left(\mathrm{Ds}\left(\mathrm{pre}-\mathrm{strain}\mathrm{diameter}\right)\right)100.$

[0099] Note that the measurement is conducted in the state where the load is applied after applying a load of 2 kg for 20 seconds.

[0100] In the measurement device 8, there are 20 contact points between the contactor 86 and the filter section 30 to be measured. When the length of the filter section 30 to be measured is long (longer than the distance between the two walls 82), as shown in FIG. 6(B), ten filter sections are set on the base 88 for measurement. If the filter section 30 to be measured is short, or if a local area of the filter section is to be measured, as shown in FIG. 7, two sets of ten filter sections (a total of twenty) are prepared and set facing each other on the base for measurement. In either case, the filter section 30 is set so that the local area to be measured engages with the contactor 24. The above describes measurement using the measurement device 8, but as long as there are 20 contact points, the same load of 2 kg, and the same time of 20 seconds, the same hardness evaluation can be conducted without using another measurement device 8.

[0101] In the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that the stress at a predetermined strain of the filter section 30 at the position corresponding to the object 33 (region 301 in FIG. 5) is within a predetermined range, specifically 1.0 N or more and 10 N or less at a strain rate of 10%, and more preferably 1.5 N or more and 9 N or less. Being within these ranges makes it possible to impart the desired hardness to the desired position of the filter section 30, improving the sensation of holding the flavor inhalation article in the mouth or hand, and further improving the ease of inserting and attaching the flavor inhalation article to the inhalation device when the flavor inhalation article is a heat-not-burn type. Additionally, it is preferable that the stress at a predetermined strain of the filter section 30 at the position not corresponding to the object 33 (region 302 in FIG. 5) is also within a predetermined range, specifically 0.2 N or more and 1.5 N or less at a strain rate of 10%, and more preferably 0.4 N or more and 1.4 N or less. By having the stress at the position corresponding to the object 33 and the position not corresponding to the object 33 each within the preferred range, the sensation of holding the flavor inhalation article and handling characteristics can be improved. In this embodiment, these stresses are referred to as stress at a predetermined strain.

[0102] The method for measuring the stress at a predetermined strain of the filter section 30 will be explained using FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the stress at a predetermined strain in the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between strain rate and stress. The stress at a predetermined strain is the resistance to deformation, which is the same principle as the hardness measured with the aforementioned measurement device 8.

[0103] In the stress at a predetermined strain, as shown in FIG. 20, when a length equivalent to 10% of the diameter D of the filter section 30, i.e., D/10, is pushed in the diameter direction of the filter section 30 (when deformed from 311 to 312 in FIG. 20), the repulsive force acting on the push rod 47A of the rheometer 47 is considered the stress at a predetermined strain of the filter section 30. As shown by curve B in FIG. 21, the stress of the filter section 30 at the position not corresponding to the object is a small value and is in a relationship almost proportional to the strain rate, whereas, as shown by curve A, the stress of the filter section 30 at the position corresponding to the object is larger than the stress of the filter section 30 at the position not corresponding to the object, and the increase rate of curve B decreases as the strain rate increases. In this embodiment, the stress value at a strain rate of 10% is considered the stress at a predetermined strain.

[0104] When the axial length of the filter section 30 is short or the circumference is small, measurement with the aforementioned measurement device 8 may be difficult, but the stress at a predetermined strain can be easily measured.

[0105] The measurement of the stress at a predetermined strain in this embodiment was conducted using a rheometer manufactured by Sun Scientific Co., Ltd., model number CR-3000EX-L. The push rod 47A was composed of a stainless steel jig with a disk-shaped contact portion with a diameter of 15 mm at the tip. The movement speed of the push rod 47A of the rheometer 47 was set to 10 mm/min. When measuring the stress at a predetermined strain of the filter section 30, the axial length of the filter section 30 was set to 10 mm. If the length of the filter section 30 to be measured was less than 10 mm, multiple rods were arranged vertically to adjust the total length to 10 mm for measurement.

[0106] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the longitudinal section of the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment, where the object 33 is a solid member, and (A) shows an object 33 with a sharp second side, and (B) shows a longitudinal section of the flavor inhalation article 1 with an object 33 that narrows from the first side to the second side.

[0107] For example, the shape of the end of the object 33 in the centerline direction may be planar on the first side of the object 33 and sharp on the second side of the object 33, as shown in FIG. 8 (A). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), the width of the object 33 in the second side region may be relatively smaller than in the first side region.

[0108] Here, specific examples of the arrangement of the object 33 will be described using FIGS. 1, 9, and 10.

[0109] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the longitudinal section of the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment, where (A) shows the object 33 positioned on the second side within the filter 31, and (B) shows the object 33 positioned closer to the center within the filter 31.

[0110] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the longitudinal section of the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment, where (A) shows an object 33 with the same size in the centerline direction as the filter 31 positioned within the filter 31, and (B) shows multiple objects 33 positioned within the filter 31.

[0111] It is preferable that the object 33 is arranged so as not to protrude from the end face on the second side of the filter 31.

[0112] In the example shown in FIG. 1, a hollow object 33 smaller than the size of the filter 31 in the centerline direction is positioned on the first side (substrate section 10 side) within the filter 31. Specifically, the object 33 is arranged in the upstream region within the filter 31. By having the object 33 positioned on the first side (substrate section 10 side) within the filter 31, it is possible to achieve suitable aerosol filtration while making the object 33 invisible from the end face on the second side of the filter 31. Additionally, when the object 33 is positioned on the first side (substrate section 10 side) within the filter 31, the strength of the first side of the filter 31 is enhanced, making it easier to perform the task of attaching the flavor inhalation article 1 to the inhalation device 100 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0113] In the example shown in FIG. 9 (A), a solid object 33 smaller than the size of the filter 31 in the centerline direction is positioned on the second side (downstream side) within the filter 31. Specifically, the object 33 is arranged in the second side region within the filter 31. By having the object 33 positioned in the second side (mouthpiece end) region within the filter 31, the strength of the region of the mouthpiece segment 50 that the user holds in the mouth can be enhanced, improving the sensation of holding in the mouth. Even if hollow, if the object 33 can enhance the strength of the second side region, the sensation of holding in the mouth can be similarly improved.

[0114] In the example shown in FIG. 9 (A), the end face on the second side of the object 33 is positioned at the end face on the second side of the filter 31, but this is not a limitation, and the positions of the end faces of both may not coincide. For instance, when the object 33 is positioned on the second side within the filter 31, the end face on the second side of the object 33 may be 2 mm or more away from the end face on the second side of the filter 31. By having the end face on the second side of the object 33 be 2 mm or more away from the end face on the second side of the filter 31, the object 33 can be made invisible from the end face on the second side of the filter 31 in the centerline direction of the filter section 30.

[0115] The arrangement of the object 33, which is smaller than the size of the filter 31 in the centerline direction, is not limited to the region on the first side or the region on the second side within the filter 31.

[0116] In the example shown in FIG. 9 (B), the object 33, which is smaller than the size of the filter 31 in the centerline direction, is positioned closer to the center within the filter 31 in the centerline direction. Specifically, the object 33 is arranged in the region closer to the center within the filter 31 in the centerline direction. By having the object 33 positioned in the region closer to the center within the filter 31, the strength of the region corresponding to the user's teeth when the mouthpiece segment 50 is bitten can be enhanced.

[0117] The object 33 only needs to be arranged so as not to protrude from the end face on the second side of the filter 31, and is not limited to the above configuration.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 10 (A), an object 33 with the same size in the centerline direction as the filter 31 may be arranged within the filter 31.

[0119] Additionally, when arranging multiple objects 33, the arrangement of the objects 33 is not limited to the same region in the centerline direction as shown in FIG. 4(B). As shown in FIG. 10(B), multiple objects 33 may be arranged in multiple regions within the filter 31.

[0120] By increasing the proportion of the object 33 to the filter 31, the strength of the mouthpiece segment 50 can be enhanced while reducing the filtration rate of the aerosol by the filter section 30.

[Substrate Section 10]

[0121] The substrate section 10 includes an aerosol source 11 that generates vapor when heated, producing aerosol, and a wrapping paper 12 that covers the outer circumference of the aerosol source 11. Additionally, the substrate section 10 may include a tip member 13 that prevents the aerosol source 11 from falling out from the end face on the first side of the substrate section 10. The substrate section 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape by wrapping the aerosol source 11 and the tip member 13 with the wrapping paper 12. The aerosol source 11 may be tobacco-derived, such as processed products formed into granules, sheets, or powders from shredded tobacco or tobacco material. The aerosol source 11 may also include non-tobacco-derived materials made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). As an example, the aerosol source 11 may include a fragrance. The type of fragrance is not particularly limited, but menthol is particularly preferred from the standpoint of imparting a good flavor. These fragrances may be used alone or in combination of two or more. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source 11 may include a drug for the patient to inhale. Note that the aerosol source 11 is not limited to solids and may be a liquid, such as polyhydric alcohols like glycerin and propylene glycol, as well as water. At least a part of the substrate section 10 is housed in the internal space 141 of the holding section 140 when the flavor inhalation article 1 is held in the holding section 140.

[0122] The substrate section 10, formed by wrapping the aerosol source 11 with the wrapping paper 12, preferably has a cylindrical shape that satisfies an aspect ratio of 1 or more as defined by Formula 1.

[00002]$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Aspect}\mathrm{ratio}=h/w& \left[\mathrm{Math}.1\right]\end{array}$

[0123] In Formula 1, hw is preferable, where w is the width of the cross-section of the substrate section 10, and h is the size in the centerline direction of the substrate section 10. The shape of the cross-section is not limited and may be polygonal, rounded polygonal, circular, elliptical, etc., with the width w being the diameter if the cross-section is circular, the major axis if elliptical, and the diameter of the circumscribed circle or the major axis of the circumscribed ellipse if polygonal or rounded polygonal. The width of the cross-section of the aerosol source 11 constituting the substrate section 10 is preferably 4 mm or more and 9 mm or less.

[0124] The size h in the centerline direction of the substrate section 10 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 8 mm or more, and preferably 10 mm or more. Additionally, the size h in the centerline direction of the substrate section 10 is usually 70 mm or less, and preferably 30 mm or less.

[0125] Furthermore, the ratio of the size h of the substrate section 10 to the size of the flavor inhalation article 1 in the centerline direction is not particularly limited, but, from the stand point of balancing delivery amount and aerosol temperature, it is usually 10% or more, preferably 20% or more, more preferably 25% or more, and even more preferably 30% or more. Additionally, the ratio of the size h of the substrate section 10 to the size of the flavor inhalation article 1 is 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.

[0126] The content of the aerosol source 11 in the substrate section 10 is not particularly limited, but can be 200 mg or more and 800 mg or less, with 250 mg or more and 600 mg or less being preferred. This range is particularly suitable for a substrate section 10 with a circumference of 22 mm and a size of 20 mm in the centerline direction.

[0127] Here, the aerosol source 11 containing shredded tobacco will be described. The material of the shredded tobacco contained in the aerosol source 11 is not particularly limited, and known materials such as lamina and midrib can be used. Additionally, dried tobacco leaves may be pulverized to an average particle size of 20 m or more and 200 m or less to create tobacco powder, which is then homogenized and sheet-processed (hereinafter simply referred to as a homogenized sheet) and shredded. Furthermore, a so-called strand type may be used, in which a homogenized sheet with a size approximately the same as the size in the centerline direction of the substrate section 10 is shredded horizontally to the centerline direction of the substrate section 10 and filled into the aerosol source 11.

[0128] Additionally, the width of the shredded tobacco is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less for filling into the aerosol source 11.

[0129] Regarding the tobacco leaves used for producing shredded tobacco and homogenized sheets, various types of tobacco can be used. Examples include yellow, burley, oriental, native varieties, other Nicotiana tabacum varieties, Nicotiana rustica varieties, and mixtures thereof. For mixtures, each variety can be appropriately blended to achieve the desired flavor. Details of tobacco varieties are disclosed in Tobacco Encyclopedia, Tobacco Research Center, Mar. 31, 2009. There are several conventional methods for producing homogenized sheets, i.e., methods for processing tobacco leaves into homogenized sheets. The first method is to produce a formed sheet using a papermaking process. The second method involves mixing an appropriate solvent such as water with pulverized tobacco leaves to homogenize them, then thinly casting the homogenized material onto a metal plate or metal plate belt, and drying it to produce a cast sheet. The third method involves mixing an appropriate solvent such as water with pulverized tobacco leaves to homogenize them, then extruding and molding the homogenized material into a sheet to produce a rolled sheet. Details of the types of homogenized sheets are disclosed in Tobacco Encyclopedia, Tobacco Research Center, Mar. 31, 2009.

[0130] The moisture content of the aerosol source 11 can be 10 mass % or more and 15 mass % or less relative to the total amount of the aerosol source 11, and is preferably 11 mass % or more and 13 mass % or less. Such a moisture content suppresses the occurrence of roll stains and improves the winding suitability during the production of the substrate section 10.

[0131] The aerosol source 11 is not particularly limited and may include extracts and/or their components from various natural substances depending on the application. Examples of extracts and/or components thereof include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0132] The content of extracts and/or their components in the aerosol source 11 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of generating sufficient aerosol and imparting a good flavor, it is usually 5 mass % or more, preferably 10 mass % or more, relative to the total amount of the aerosol source 11. Additionally, the content of extracts and/or components thereof in the aerosol source 11 is usually 50 mass % or less, preferably 15 mass % or more, and 25 mass % or less.

[0133] The aerosol source 11 may include a fragrance. The type of fragrance is not particularly limited, but menthol is particularly preferred from the standpoint of imparting a good flavor. These fragrances may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0134] The filling density of the aerosol source 11 is not particularly limited, but, from the viewpoint of ensuring the performance of the flavor inhalation article 1 and imparting a good flavor, is usually 250 mg/cm.sup.3 or more, preferably 300 mg/cm.sup.3 or more. Additionally, the filling density of the aerosol source 11 is usually 400 mg/cm.sup.3 or less, preferably 350 mg/cm.sup.3 or less.

[0135] Additionally, the aerosol source 11 may be composed of tobacco sheets. There may be one tobacco sheet, or two or more tobacco sheets.

[0136] One example of an aspect in the case where the aerosol source 11 is composed of a single tobacco sheet is an aspect in which a tobacco sheet with one side having a size approximately the same as the size in the centerline direction of the object to be filled is filled in a state of being folded back multiple times horizontally to the centerline direction of the object to be filled (a so-called gathered sheet). Another example is an aspect in which a tobacco sheet with one side having a size approximately the same as the size in the centerline direction of the object to be filled is filled in a state of being wound in a direction orthogonal to the centerline direction of the object to be filled.

[0137] An example of an aspect in the case where the aerosol source 11 is composed of two or more tobacco sheets is an aspect in which multiple tobacco sheets with one side having a size approximately the same as the size in the centerline direction of the object to be filled are filled in a state of being wound in a direction orthogonal to the centerline direction of the object to be filled so as to be arranged concentrically. Arranged concentrically means that the centers of all the tobacco sheets are arranged to be approximately at the same position.

[0138] Arranged concentrically means that the centers of all the tobacco sheets are arranged to be approximately at the same position. The number of tobacco sheets is not particularly limited, but examples include two, three, four, five, six, or seven sheets.

[0139] All of the two or more tobacco sheets may have the same composition or physical properties, or some or all of the tobacco sheets may have different compositions or physical properties. Additionally, the thickness of each tobacco sheet may be the same or different.

[0140] The thickness of each tobacco sheet is not limited, but from the viewpoint of balancing heat transfer efficiency and strength, it is preferably 150 m or more and 1000 m or less, more preferably 200 m or more and 600 m or less.

[0141] The aerosol source 11 can be manufactured by preparing multiple tobacco sheets with different widths, preparing a laminate stack so that the width decreases from the first side to the second side, and winding this through a winding tube.

[0142] According to this manufacturing method, multiple tobacco sheets extend in the centerline direction and are arranged concentrically around the CL.

[0143] In this manufacturing method, it is preferable that the laminate is prepared so that a non-contact portion is formed between adjacent tobacco sheets after winding. If there is a non-contact portion (gap) where the tobacco sheets do not contact each other between multiple tobacco sheets, the flavor flow path can be secured, and the delivery efficiency of flavor components can be enhanced. On the other hand, since heat from the heating unit 121 can be transmitted to the outer tobacco sheet through the contact portions of multiple tobacco sheets, high heat transfer efficiency can be ensured.

[0144] To create non-contact portions between multiple tobacco sheets where the tobacco sheets do not touch each other, examples include methods to prepare a laminate by, for example, using embossed tobacco sheets, laminating without fully adhering adjacent tobacco sheets, partially adhering adjacent tobacco sheets, or lightly adhering the entirety or part of adjacent tobacco sheets so that the adjacent tobacco sheets peel off after winding.

[0145] When preparing the substrate section 10 including the wrapping paper 12, the wrapping paper 12 may be placed on the end face on the first side of the laminate.

[0146] Polyols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol may be added to the tobacco sheets. The amount added to the tobacco sheets is preferably 5 mass % or more and 50 mass % or less relative to the dry mass of the tobacco sheets, and more preferably 15 mass % or more and 25 mass % or less.

[0147] Tobacco sheets can be appropriately manufactured by known methods such as papermaking, slurry, and rolling. The aforementioned homogenized sheets can also be used.

[0148] In the case of papermaking, the homogenized sheets can be manufactured by a method including the following steps. 1) Dried tobacco leaves are coarsely crushed, extracted with water, and separated into a water extract and residue. 2) The water extract is concentrated by vacuum drying. 3) Pulp is added to the residue, fiberized with a refiner, and paper is made. 4) The concentrated water extract is added to the paper-made sheet and dried to form a tobacco sheet. In this case, a step of removing some of the components such as nitrosamine may also be added (see JP 2004-510422 A).

[0149] In the case of the slurry method, they can be manufactured by a method including the following steps. 1) Water, pulp, and binder are mixed with crushed tobacco leaves. 2) The mixture is spread thinly (cast) and dried. In this case, a step to remove some components such as nitrosamines by irradiating the slurry mixed with water, pulp, and binder with ultraviolet or X-rays may be added.

[0150] In addition to the above, as disclosed in WO 2014/104078 A1, a nonwoven tobacco sheet manufactured by a method including the following steps can also be used. 1) Granular tobacco leaves are mixed with a binder. 2) The mixture is sandwiched with nonwoven fabric. 3) The laminate is formed into a fixed shape by heat welding to obtain a nonwoven tobacco sheet.

[0151] The types of tobacco leaves used as raw materials in each of the above methods can be the same as those described for the aerosol source 11 containing shredded tobacco.

[0152] There is no particular limitation on the composition of the tobacco sheet, but for example, the content of tobacco material (tobacco leaves) is preferably 50 mass % or more and 95 mass % or less relative to the total mass of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may also include a binder, such as guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, or sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose. The amount of binder is preferably 1 mass % or more and 10 mass % or less relative to the total mass of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may further comprise other additives. Examples of additives include fillers such as pulp.

[0153] There is no particular limitation on the composition of the wrapping paper 12 used for the substrate section 10, which can be a common aspect, such as one with pulp as the main component. In addition to being made from wood pulp such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, the pulp may also be obtained by mixing non-wood pulp commonly used for wrapping paper 12 for tobacco products, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, or esparto.

[0154] Types of pulp include chemical pulp produced by kraft pulping, acid, neutral, or alkaline sulfite pulping, soda pulping, etc., and groundwood pulp, chemigroundwood pulp, and thermomechanical pulp, etc.

[0155] Using pulp, the wrapping paper 12 is manufactured by adjusting and homogenizing during the papermaking process using a Fourdrinier machine, a cylinder machine, or a cylinder-mold machine, etc. If necessary, a wet strength agent can be added to impart water resistance to the wrapping paper 12, or a sizing agent can be added to adjust the printability of the wrapping paper 12. Furthermore, papermaking internal additives such as sulfuric acid bands, various anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric yield improvers, drainage improvers, and paper strength enhancers, as well as papermaking additives such as dyes, pH adjusters, defoamers, pitch control agents, and slime control agents, etc., can be added.

[0156] The basis weight of the base paper for the wrapping paper 12 is typically 20 gsm or more, and preferably 25 gsm or more. On the other hand, the basis weight is typically 65 gsm or less, preferably 50 gsm or less, and more preferably 45 gsm or less.

[0157] There is no particular limitation on the thickness of the wrapping paper 12, which, from the standpoint of rigidity, breathability, and ease of adjustment during papermaking, is typically 10 m or more, preferably 20 m or more, and more preferably 30 m or more. Additionally, the thickness of the wrapping paper 12 is typically 100 m or less, preferably 75 m or less, and more preferably 50 m or less.

[0158] The shape of the wrapping paper 12 for manufacturing the substrate section 10 can be square or rectangular.

[0159] When used as wrapping paper 12 for wrapping the aerosol source 11, one side length can be 8 mm or more and 70 mm or less, and the other side length can be 15 mm or more and 28 mm or less, with a preferred length of 22 mm or more and 24 mm or less, and a more preferred length of about 23 mm. When wrapping the aerosol source 11 cylindrically with the wrapping paper 12, for example, in the circumferential direction, the ends of the wrapping paper 12 can be overlapped by about 2 mm and glued to form a cylindrical paper tube shape, with the aerosol source 11 filled inside. The size of the rectangular wrapping paper 12 can be determined by the size of the substrate section 10.

[0160] In addition to the above pulp, the wrapping paper 12 may include fillers. The content of fillers can be 10 mass % or more and 60 mass % or less relative to the total mass of the wrapping paper 12, and is preferably 15 mass % or more and 45 mass % or less.

[0161] In the wrapping paper 12, within the preferred range of basis weight (25 gsm or more and 45 gsm or less), it is preferable that the content of fillers is 15 mass % or more and 45 mass % or less. Furthermore, when the basis weight is 25 gsm or more and 35 gsm or less, the filler content is preferably 15 mass % or more and 45 mass % or less, and when the basis weight is 35 gsm or more and 45 gsm or less, the filler content is preferably 25 mass % or more and 45 mass % or less. Calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, or kaolin, etc. may be used as the loading material, but calcium carbonate is preferably used from the point of view of improving flavour and whiteness, etc.

[0162] Various additives other than base paper and fillers may be added to the wrapping paper 12; for example, to improve water resistance, a water resistance enhancer can be added. Water resistance enhancers include wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength agents include urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE), etc. Examples of sizing agents include rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or more.

[0163] As an additive, a paper strength enhancer may be added, such as polyacrylamide, cationic starch, oxidized starch, CMC, polyamide epichlorohydrin resin, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. Particularly, it is known that using a very small amount of oxidized starch can improve breathability (see JP 2017-218699 A).

[0164] The wrapping paper 12 may have a coating agent added to at least one of its two surfaces, the front and back. There is no particular limitation on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a film on the paper surface and reduce the permeability of liquids is preferred. Examples include polysaccharides such as alginic acid and its salts (e.g., sodium salt), pectin, cellulose derivatives such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, starch and its derivatives (e.g., ether derivatives such as carboxymethyl starch, hydroxyalkyl starch, and cationic starch, ester derivatives such as acetate starch, phosphate starch, and octenyl succinate starch), etc.

[Cooling Section 20]

[0165] The cooling section 20 is positioned adjacent to the substrate section 10 and the filter section 30, and is formed into a hollow (cavity) cross-section such as a cylinder by winding a sheet 21. The cooling section 20 cools the vapor generated by heating the substrate section 10 to produce aerosol.

[0166] Specifically, the cooling section 20 is a paper tube formed by winding a sheet 21 made of paper. The cooling section 20 is a so-called spiral paper tube, which is a paper tube formed by laminating multiple sheets 21, including at least paper, and winding the sheets 21 spirally. In the manufacturing method of the spiral paper tube, it is possible to easily form a paper tube with a circular cross-section. By adopting a spiral paper tube for the cooling section 20, the area of the cooling section 20 can be reduced while improving the strength of the cooling section 20. Additionally, by combining and laminating a sheet member 31 a containing fragrance components, flavor components, tobacco powder, etc., with paper, new flavors can be imparted to the aerosol.

[0167] Alternatively, the cooling section 20 may be a so-called straight paper tube, which is a paper tube formed by winding paper into a cylindrical shape multiple times. In the manufacturing method of the straight paper tube, the amount of glue used for adhering the paper can be reduced compared to the manufacturing method of the spiral paper tube.

[0168] Additionally, the cooling section 20 may be a paper tube formed by laminating multiple sheets 21, including at least paper. By laminating multiple sheets 21, the strength of the cooling section 20 can be maintained even when the basis weight of each sheet 21 is small.

[0169] The cross-section of the cooling section 20 is substantially circular, and the circumference can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is preferably approximately the same as the circumference of the filter 31 described later. Note that if the cross-section is not circular, the above circumference is applied by assuming a circle having the same area as that cross-section, and the circumference of that circle is used.

[0170] The size in the centerline direction of the cooling section 20 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is typically 5 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more, and more preferably 15 mm or more. Additionally, the size in the centerline direction of the cooling section 20 is typically 35 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, and more preferably 25 mm or less. By setting the size in the centerline direction of the cooling section 20 to the aforementioned lower limit or more, a sufficient cooling effect can be ensured to obtain a good flavor, and by setting this to the aforementioned upper limit or less, loss due to vapor and aerosol adhering to the sheet 21 can be suppressed.

[0171] For example, the cooling section 20 is a paper tube formed by winding a sheet 21 made of paper.

[0172] Specifically, the cooling section 20 is a so-called spiral paper tube, which is a paper tube formed by laminating multiple sheets 21, including at least paper, and winding them spirally. In the manufacturing method of the spiral paper tube, it is possible to easily form a paper tube with a circular cross-section. By adopting a spiral paper tube for the cooling section 20, the area of the cooling section 20 can be reduced while improving the strength of the cooling section 20. Additionally, by combining and laminating a sheet member containing fragrance components, flavor components, tobacco powder, etc., with paper, new flavors can be imparted to the aerosol.

[0173] Alternatively, the cooling section 20 may be a so-called straight paper tube, which is a paper tube formed by winding paper into a cylindrical shape multiple times. In the manufacturing method of the straight paper tube, the amount of glue used for adhering the paper can be reduced compared to the manufacturing method of the spiral paper tube.

[0174] Additionally, the cooling section 20 may be a paper tube formed by laminating multiple sheets 21, including at least paper. By laminating multiple sheets 21, the strength of the cooling section 20 can be maintained even when the basis weight of each sheet 21 is small.

[0175] There is no particular limitation on the thickness of the sheet 21, which may be, for example, 50 m or more and 500 m or less, and may also be 100 m or more and 250 m or less. Note that there is no particular limitation on the material of the sheet 21, which may be, for example, primarily composed of pulp, and may also be primarily composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, or aluminum foil, or any combination thereof.

[0176] The cooling section 20 is a part formed by winding the sheet 21, but it is an example of a tubular member formed into a cylindrical shape, and is not limited to this configuration as long as the cross-section is hollow. The cooling section 20 may be formed by a tube of synthetic resin or the like that already has a hollow cross-section.

[0177] The cooling section 20 has multiple through-holes 60 arranged circumferentially and concentrically, which are also referred to as ventilation filters (Vf) in this technical field. The through-holes 60 are holes that penetrate the sheet 21. Examples of the shape of the holes include polygonal, rounded polygonal, circular, elliptical, etc. The through-holes 60 are located in a region where air can flow in from outside the flavor inhalation article 1, in other words, in a region that protrudes from the opening 142 when the flavor inhalation article 1 is held in the holding section 140 of the inhalation device 100.

[0178] The presence of the through-holes 60 allows for the adjustment of the concentration of flavor components and aerosol being inhaled. Additionally, the presence of multiple through-holes 60 allows air to flow into the interior of the cooling section 20 from the outside during inhalation, thereby lowering the temperature of the vapor and air flowing in from the substrate section 10. Furthermore, by positioning the through-holes 60 in the cooling section 20 at a region 4 mm or more in the direction of the cooling section 20 from the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the filter section 30, not only can the cooling capacity be improved, but the retention of substances (products) generated by heating within the cooling section 20 can be suppressed, thereby improving the delivery amount of the products.

[0179] Note that the vapor generated by heating the substrate section 10, using the aerosol as a condensation nucleus, can be liquefied by contacting with air from the outside and lowering the temperature, thereby promoting the generation of aerosol.

[0180] When treating multiple through-holes 60 existing on concentric circles in the cooling section 20 as one group of through-holes, there may be one group of through-holes, or there may be two or more. When there are two or more groups of through-holes, from the standpoint of improving the delivery amount of components generated by heating, it is preferable not to provide a group of through-holes in the region less than 4 mm in the direction of the cooling section 20 from the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the filter section 30.

[0181] Additionally, when the flavor inhalation article 1 is in a form where the substrate section 10, cooling section 20, and filter section 30 are wrapped with tip paper 40, it is preferable that the tip paper 40 has ventilation holes positioned directly above the through-holes 60 provided in the cooling section 20. When manufacturing such a flavor inhalation article 1, tip paper 40 with ventilation holes overlapping the through-holes 60 may be prepared and wrapped, but from the standpoint of ease of manufacturing, it is preferable to first manufacture the flavor inhalation article 1 without the through-holes 60, and then create holes that penetrate both the cooling section 20 and the tip paper 40 simultaneously.

[0182] The region where the through-holes 60 are present is not particularly limited as long as it is 4 mm or more in the direction of the cooling section 20 from the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the filter section 30, from the viewpoint of improving the delivery efficiency of products generated by heating; however, from the viewpoint of further improving the delivery efficiency of the products, it is preferably 4.5 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and even more preferably 5.5 mm or more. Additionally, from the viewpoint of ensuring cooling functionality, it is preferable that the region where the through-holes 60 are present is 15 mm or less from the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the filter section 30, more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 7 mm or less.

[0183] Considering the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the substrate section 10 as a reference, when the size in the centerline direction of the cooling section 20 is 20 mm or more, from the standpoint of ensuring cooling functionality, it is preferable that the region where the through-holes 60 are present is 5 mm or more in the direction of the cooling section 20 from the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the substrate section 10, more preferably 10 mm or more, and even more preferably 13 mm or more. Additionally, from the viewpoint of improving the delivery efficiency of products generated by heating, it is preferable that the region where the through-holes 60 are present is 16 mm or less from the boundary between the cooling section 20 and the substrate section 10, more preferably 15.5 mm or less, even more preferably 15 mm or less, and particularly preferably 14.5 mm or less.

[0184] The through-holes 60 are provided so that the air inflow ratio from the through-holes 60 is 10% or more and 90% or less by volume when inhaled at 17.5 ml/sec with an automatic smoking machine. This air inflow ratio is the volume ratio of air flowing in from the through-holes 60 when the ratio of air inhaled from the mouthpiece end is 100% by volume. The air inflow ratio is preferably 50% or more and 80% or less by volume, and more preferably 55% or more and 75% or less by volume. These air inflow ratios can be achieved for example by selecting the number of through-holes 60 per group of through-holes from a range of 5 or more and 50 or less, selecting the diameter of the through-holes 60 from a range of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and combining these selections.

[0185] The air inflow ratio can be measured using a wrapping quality measuring device (SODIMAX D74/SODIM manufactured by S.A.S) in accordance with ISO 9512.

[Tip Paper 40]

[0186] The tip paper 40 is wrapped around the outer circumferential surfaces of the substrate section 10, the cooling section 20, and the filter section 30.

[0187] There is no particular limitation on the shape of the tip paper 40, which can be, for example, square or rectangular.

[0188] There is no particular limitation on the basis weight of the tip paper 40, which is typically 32 gsm or more and 60 gsm or less, preferably 33 gsm or more and 55 gsm or less, and more preferably 34 gsm or more and 53 gsm or less.

[0189] There is no particular limitation on the air permeability of the tip paper 40, which is typically 0 Coresta units or more and 30,000 Coresta units or less, and preferably more than 0 Coresta units and 10,000 Coresta units or less. Here, air permeability is a value measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009, expressed as the flow rate (cm.sup.3) of gas passing through an area of 1 cm.sup.2 per minute when the differential pressure on both sides of the paper is 1 kPa. One Coresta unit (1 CU) is cm.sup.3/(min cm.sup.2) at 1 kPa.

[0190] There is no particular limitation on the composition of the tip paper 40, which can be a common aspect, such as one with pulp as the main component. In addition to being made from wood pulp such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, the pulp may also be obtained by mixing non-wood pulp commonly used for wrapping paper for tobacco products, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, or esparto. A single type of pulp may be used, or multiple types of pulps may be combined for use in any proportions.

[0191] Types of pulp include chemical pulp produced by kraft pulping, acid, neutral, or alkaline sulfite pulping, soda pulping, etc., and groundwood pulp, chemigroundwood pulp, and thermomechanical pulp, etc. Note that the tip paper 40 may be manufactured by the aforementioned manufacturing methods or may be a commercially available product.

[0192] In addition to the aforementioned materials, the tip paper 40 may contain fillers, such as metal carbonates like calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, metal oxides like titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide, metal sulfates like barium sulfate and calcium sulfate, metal sulfides like zinc sulfide, quartz, kaolin, talc, diatomaceous earth, gypsum, etc; particularly, from the viewpoint of improving whiteness, opacity, and increasing heating rate, it is preferable for the tip paper 40 to contain calcium carbonate. Additionally, these fillers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0193] The tip paper 40 may include various additives in addition to the aforementioned materials and fillers, such as a water resistance enhancer to improve water resistance. Water resistance enhancers include wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength agents include urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE), etc. Examples of sizing agents include rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or more.

[0194] The tip paper 40 may have a coating agent added to at least one of the two surfaces thereof, the front and back. There is no particular limitation on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a film on the surface and reduce the permeability of liquids is preferred.

[0195] Part of the outer surface of the tip paper 40 may be coated with a lip release material. A lip release material is a material designed to assist in easily separating the lips from the tip paper 40 without substantial adhesion when the user holds the filter section 30 of the flavor inhalation article 1 in the mouth. The lip release material may include, for example, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, etc. For example, the outer surface of the tip paper 40 may be coated with a lip release material by applying an ethyl cellulose-based or methyl cellulose-based ink.

[0196] As described above, the flavor inhalation article 1 includes at least a substrate section 10 containing the aerosol source 11, a cooling section 20 that cools the vapor generated by heating the substrate section 10 to produce aerosol, a filter section 30 through which the aerosol passes, and tip paper 40 wrapped around the outer circumferential surfaces of the substrate section 10, the cooling section 20, and the filter section 30. The filter section 30 has a filter 31, which is a paper filter filled with a sheet member 31a, and an object 33 disposed in the filter 31, where the object 33 is harder than the paper filter (filter 31) at a position where the object 33 is not disposed. The paper filter is softer than filters using fibers such as cellulose acetate, and using a paper filter makes the filter section 30 softer than usual. To address this, using an object 33 that is harder than the paper filter (filter 31) at a position where the object 33 is not disposed can impart the desired hardness to the filter section 30. As a result, the sensation of holding the filter section 30 in the mouth or hand, as well as the ease of attaching the flavor inhalation article 1 to the inhalation device 100 when the flavor inhalation article 1 is a heat-not-burn type, can be improved by making the filter section 30 somewhat harder. Note that the flavor inhalation article 1 may not include the cooling section 20 from the standpoint of compactness in the centerline direction.

Second Embodiment

[0197] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment, where (A) shows the object 33 positioned on the first side within the filter 31, and (B) shows the object 33 positioned on the second side within the filter 31.

[0198] The flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment in that the filter section 230 corresponding to the filter section 30 is different. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the first and second embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0199] The filter section 230 includes a filter 31, which is a paper filter, a separate filter 32, which is an independent filter separate from the filter 31, an object 33 that is harder than the position where the object is not disposed in the filter 31, and a wrapping paper 35 that is present between the filter 31 and the tip paper 40 and is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the filter 31. The filter section 230 is connected (linked) to the cooling section 20 by being integrally wound with the cooling section 20 using the tip paper 40. It is preferable that the filter 31 and the separate filter 32 are each wound with separate wrapping paper 35 and then further wound together with another wrapping paper 35.

[0200] The cross-section of the separate filter 32 in the filter section 230 is substantially circular, and its circumference can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, with examples including 22 mm or more and 27 mm or less. Note that if the cross-section is not circular, the above circumference is applied by assuming a circle having the same area as that cross-section, and the circumference of that circle is used.

[0201] The air resistance and size in the centerline direction of the filter section 230 can be exemplified as being the same as the air resistance and size in the centerline direction of the filter section 30. The shape and dimensions of the filter 31 and the separate filter 32 can be appropriately adjusted to fall within the above range.

[0202] The separate filter 32 includes filter material and is not particularly limited as long as it has the general functions of a filter. The general functions of a filter include, for example, adjusting the amount of air mixed during aerosol inhalation, reducing flavor, and reducing nicotine and tar, but it is not necessary to have all these functions. Additionally, in heat-not-burn flavor inhalation articles 2, which tend to have fewer generated components and a lower filling rate of the aerosol source 11 compared to paper-wrapped tobacco products, it is also an important function to suppress the filtration function while preventing the detachment of the aerosol source 11. Note that the separate filter 32 may have a lower filtration rate and higher hardness than the filter 31.

[0203] The filter material constituting the separate filter 32 is, for example, formed into a cylindrical shape with fillers such as cellulose acetate fibers, nonwoven fabric, or pulp paper. A paper filter filled with sheet-like pulp paper may also be used. In addition to these fillers, inorganic adsorbents such as activated carbon, sepiolite, palygorskite, zeolite, activated carbon fibers, activated alumina, sepiolite mixed paper, silica gel, activated clay, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, etc., as well as polymer porous bodies such as pulp, various fibers, and ion exchange resins can be used.

[0204] There is no particular limitation on the filling density of the filter material constituting the separate filter 32, which is typically 90 mg/cm.sup.3 or more and 360 mg/cm.sup.3 or less, and preferably 150 mg/cm.sup.3 or more and 240 mg/cm.sup.3 or less.

[0205] In the example shown in FIG. 11(A), the filter section 230 includes a separate filter 32 connected to the second side of the cooling section 20 and a filter 31 positioned on the second side of the separate filter 32. In other words, in the filter section 230, the separate filter 32 is positioned on the upstream side, and the filter 31 is positioned on the downstream side. A solid object 33 smaller than the size in the centerline direction of the filter 31 is positioned on the first side (substrate section 10 side) within the filter 31. Specifically, the object 33 is positioned in the upstream region within the filter 31.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 11(B), a solid object 33 smaller than the size in the centerline direction of the filter 31 may be positioned on the second side (downstream side) within the filter 31. Specifically, the object 33 may be positioned in the region on the second side within the filter 31. When the object 33 is positioned on the second side within the filter 31, it is preferable that the end face on the second side of the object 33 is 2 mm or more away from the end face on the second side of the filter 31.

[0207] The configuration of the filter section 230 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 11(A) and (B), and the positional relationship between the filter 31 and the separate filter 32 may be changed. Additionally, the object 33 may be a hollow member.

[0208] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the longitudinal section of the flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment, where (A) shows the object 33 positioned on the first side within the filter 31, and (B) shows the object 33 positioned on the second side within the filter 31.

[0209] The filter section 230 may include a filter 31 connected to the second side of the cooling section 20 and a separate filter 32 positioned on the second side of the filter 31. In other words, in the filter section 230, the filter 31 may be positioned on the upstream side, and the separate filter 32 may be positioned on the downstream side.

[0210] A solid object 33 smaller than the size in the centerline direction of the filter 31 may be positioned on the first side (substrate section 10 side) within the filter 31, as shown in FIG. 12(A), or may be positioned on the second side (downstream side) within the filter 31, as shown in FIG. 12(B). Specifically, the object 33 may be positioned in the region on the second side within the filter 31. Additionally, the object 33 may be a hollow member.

[0211] As described above, the filter section 230 of the flavor inhalation article 2 according to the second embodiment includes a filter 31, which is a paper filter, a separate filter 32, which is an independent filter separate from the filter 31, and an object 33 that is harder than the filter 31 at a position where the object 33 is not disposed. The presence of the separate filter 32 in addition to the filter 31 allows for diversification of the filtration function of the filter section 230. The presence of the object 33 in the filter 31, which is softer than the separate filter 32, can enhance the strength of the region that the user holds in the mouth. Additionally, it can improve the sensation of holding in the hand and the ease of attaching the flavor inhalation article 1 to the inhalation device 100 when the flavor inhalation article 1 is a heat-not-burn type.

[0212] Note that in the above example, the filter section 230 has a dual structure with a separate filter 32 in addition to the filter 31, which is a paper filter, but is not limited to this. The filter section 230 may have two or more filters in addition to the filter 31, which is a paper filter.

Third Embodiment

[0213] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article 3 according to the third embodiment, where (A) shows the object 33 positioned on the first side of the aerosol modifier 34, and (B) shows the object 33 positioned on the second side of the aerosol modifier 34.

[0214] The flavor inhalation article 3 according to the third embodiment differs from the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment in that the filter section 330 corresponding to the filter section 30 is different. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the first and third embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0215] The filter section 330 includes a filter 31, which is a paper filter, an object 33 with a lower filtration rate than the filter 31 which is solid, an aerosol modifier 34 that modifies the aerosol, and a wrapping paper 35 that is present between the filter 31 and the tip paper 40 and is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the filter 31. The filter section 330 is connected (linked) to the cooling section 20 by the cooling section 20 and the filter section 330 being integrally wound together using the tip paper 40. Note that the wrapping paper 35 may not be included.

[0216] The aerosol modifier 34 is positioned inside the filter section 330. If the aerosol modifier 34 is harder than the filter 31 at a position where the aerosol modifier 34 is not disposed, it becomes a second object and can improve the sensation of holding and the usability of the filter section 330.

[0217] There is no particular limitation on the position of the aerosol modifier 34 in the longitudinal section of the filter section 330, but it is preferably arranged in a straight line in the centerline direction with the object 33. In other words, the aerosol modifier 34 is preferably arranged in a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the filter section 330 with the object 33.

[0218] Specifically, the aerosol modifier 34 is preferably positioned at a location corresponding to the object 33, such as where the aerosol passing through the object 33 passes or where the aerosol that hits the aerosol modifier 34 passes through the object 33. By positioning the aerosol modifier 34 at a location corresponding to the object 33, the delivery efficiency of the modified aerosol can be improved. Additionally, the placement of the aerosol modifier 34 can enhance the strength of the filter section 330, improving the sensation of holding and usability.

[0219] In the example shown in FIG. 13(A), the filter section 330 has an aerosol modifier 34 positioned on the second side (downstream side) relative to the object 33 and arranged in a straight line in the centerline direction with the object 33. By having the aerosol modifier 34 positioned on the second side (mouthpiece end side) relative to the object 33 and arranged in a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the filter section 330, the aerosol that has passed through the object 33 can be efficiently brought into contact with the aerosol modifier 34 during inhalation. Additionally, by efficiently bringing the aerosol into contact with the aerosol modifier 34, the modification effect of the aerosol can be improved.

[0220] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 13(B), the filter section 330 may have an aerosol modifier 34 positioned on the first side (upstream side) relative to the object 33 and arranged in a straight line in the centerline direction with the object 33. By having the aerosol modifier 34 positioned on the first side (substrate section 10 side) relative to the object 33 and arranged in a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the filter section 330, the modified aerosol can be passed through the object 33 during inhalation. Additionally, by having the aerosol modifier 34 positioned in the first side (upstream region) of the filter section 330, the aerosol can be brought into contact with the aerosol modifier 34 before being sufficiently filtered, improving the modification effect of the aerosol.

[0221] The aerosol modifier 34 is, for example, a breakable capsule that releases contents containing fragrance components when an external force is applied.

[0222] The aerosol modifier 34 is preferably embedded in a position where the contents do not leak from the end face on the first side and the end face on the second side of the filter 31. In other words, the aerosol modifier 34 is preferably positioned where the diffusion of the contents is contained within the filter section 330.

[0223] The aerosol modifier 34 includes contents containing at least one of flavor components and fragrance components, and a capsule body that holds the contents. The aerosol modifier 34 is crushed by the user, causing the capsule body to break and release the contents inside. Crushing involves, for example, pressing the wrapping paper 35 and the tip paper 40 with the thumb and forefinger to apply pressure to the aerosol modifier 34, which is a breakable capsule.

[0224] Examples of flavor components include citric acid, tartaric acid, monosodium glutamate, neotame, thaumatin, stevia, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, aspartame, rutin, hesperidin, oxalic acid, tannic acid, catechin, naringin, quinine, quinic acid, limonin, caffeine, capsaicin, vitamins, amino acids, polyphenols, alginic acid, flavonoids, lecithin, etc. Flavor components are preferably liquid or substantially soluble in the oral cavity.

[0225] Fragrance components are not particularly limited and may include, for example, powdered fragrances and oil-based fragrances. Main powdered fragrances include chamomile, fenugreek, menthol, mint, cinnamon, herbs, etc., in powdered form. Main oil-based fragrances include lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, clove, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon, orange, mint, cassia, ylang-ylang, sage, spearmint, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, tobacco, etc. Fragrance components may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When using powdered fragrances, the particle size is preferably 500 m or less. Fragrance components are preferably liquid or substantially soluble in the oral cavity.

[0226] The contents may include colorants such as synthetic colorants and natural colorants in addition to at least one of flavor components and fragrance components. Preferred colorants include food additives such as Red No. 3, No. 106, beta-carotene, copper chlorophyllin, gardenia blue pigment, Yellow No. 4, etc.

[0227] The contents may further include a solvent for dissolving the flavor components, fragrance components, and colorants. Examples of solvents include medium-chain triglycerides, glycerin, propylene glycol, water, ethanol, etc.

[0228] When liquid or gel-like, the contents penetrate the filter 31 and the wrapping paper 35, so the viscosity is preferably 20 mPa's or more, and 30 mPa's or more. Additionally, the viscosity of the contents is preferably 120 mPa's or less, and 90 mPa's or less. Having the viscosity of the contents at the aforementioned lower limit or more allows the contents to spread within the flavor inhalation article 3, imparting new flavors to the aerosol. Additionally, having the viscosity of the contents at the aforementioned upper limit or less prevents the contents from penetrating the filter 31 and the wrapping paper 35 too quickly, which would cause the contents to seep out to the outside of the flavor inhalation article 3 during use.

[0229] Additionally, if the liquid amount of the contents per unit area of the cross-section of the filter 31 is less than 0.2 l/mm.sup.2, there is a risk of insufficient penetration into the filter 31. On the other hand, if the liquid amount of the contents per unit area of the cross-section of the filter 31 is more than 2.2 l/mm.sup.2, there is a risk of the contents reaching the end face on the second side of the flavor inhalation article 3 and adhering to the user. Therefore, the liquid amount of the contents per unit area of the cross-section of the filter 31 is preferably 0.2 l/mm.sup.2 or more and 2.2 l/mm.sup.2 or less, and more preferably 0.3 l/mm.sup.2 or more and 0.7 l/mm.sup.2 or less.

[0230] Examples of materials for the capsule body include starch, dextrin, polysaccharides, agar, gellan gum, gelatin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, ethylene-acrylic acid plastic, ethylene-vinyl acetate plastic, ethylene-vinyl alcohol plastic, various natural gelling agents, etc. The capsule body may include fragrance components, plasticizers, colorants, etc., in addition to the above materials.

[0231] When the aerosol modifier 34 is a breakable capsule, the shape is not particularly limited and may be spherical, cylindrical, frustoconical, etc. Examples of breakable capsules include spherical shapes with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more and 4.0 mm or less, and cylindrical shapes with a size in the centerline direction of 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less and a diameter of 5 mm or more and 7 mm or less. Additionally, when arranging multiple spherical breakable capsules, the breakable capsules preferably have a diameter of 3.5 mm or less.

[0232] The method for manufacturing breakable capsules is not particularly limited, but a dropping method is preferably used which is capable of producing breakable capsules with a seamless capsule body.

[0233] The aerosol modifier 34 is described as a breakable capsule that releases contents containing fragrance components when an external force is applied, but this is not limited to this as long as the aerosol is modified.

[0234] For example, the aerosol modifier 34 may be an adsorbent with the function of adsorbing and removing substances generated by heating the substrate section 10. Adsorbents are not particularly limited and may include activated carbon, sepiolite, palygorskite, zeolite, activated carbon fibers, activated alumina, sepiolite mixed paper, silica gel, activated clay, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, ion exchange resins, etc. As the aerosol modifier 34, a granular adsorbent may be added to the filter 31, or an adsorbent granulated into a spherical shape with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more and 4.0 mm or less may be arranged in the filter 31.

[0235] Additionally, for example, the aerosol modifier 34 may be a fragrance carrier that releases fragrance components when moisture or heat is applied. There is no particular limitation on the fragrance carrier, and examples include those in which fragrance components are carried on carriers such as dextrin and cyclodextrin. As the aerosol modifier 34, a sheet-like fragrance carrier may be arranged in the filter 31, or a fragrance carrier granulated into a spherical shape with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more and 4.0 mm or less may be arranged in the filter 31.

[0236] As described above, the filter section 330 of the flavor inhalation article 3 according to the third embodiment includes a filter 31, which is a paper filter, an object 33 that has a hardness greater than the filter 31 at a position where the object 33 is not disposed, and an aerosol modifier 34 that modifies the aerosol. As a result, the sensation of holding in the mouth or hand can be improved, and the ease of attaching the flavor inhalation article 3 to the inhalation device 100 can be enhanced when the flavor inhalation article 3 is a heat-not-burn type. Having the aerosol modifier 34 within the filter section 330 allows the aerosol generated from the substrate section 10 to be modified during inhalation. Additionally, since the aerosol modifier 34 is a breakable capsule that releases a liquid containing fragrance components when an external force is applied, new flavors can be imparted to the aerosol.

Fourth Embodiment

[0237] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0238] The flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment differs in usage from the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment. Additionally, the flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the flavor inhalation article 1 according to the first embodiment in that the mouthpiece section 450, which corresponds to the mouthpiece segment 50, and the communication hole 460, which corresponds to the through-hole 60, are different. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the first and fourth embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0239] The flavor inhalation article 4 is a combustion-type flavor inhalation article. It is used by burning the end face on the first side, which is the side opposite the second side that the user holds in the mouth for inhalation. The aerosol source 11 contained in the substrate section 10 generates vapor, which produces aerosol through heating associated with combustion.

[0240] The cross-section of the flavor inhalation article 4 is substantially circular, and its circumference can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 16 mm or more and 27 mm or less, and preferably 22 mm or more and 25 mm or less. Note that if the cross-section is not circular, the above circumference is applied by assuming a circle having the same area as that cross-section, and the circumference of that circle is used.

[0241] The size in the centerline direction of the flavor inhalation article 4 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 60 mm or more and 120 mm or less, and preferably 80 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0242] The mouthpiece section 450 is composed of the filter section 30.

[0243] The size in the centerline direction of the mouthpiece section 450 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and preferably 25 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0244] Additionally, the mouthpiece section 450 is provided with multiple communication holes 460 arranged circumferentially and concentrically. The communication holes 460 are holes that allow air flowing in from the ventilation holes provided in the tip paper 40 to communicate with the voids in the filter 31. By adjusting the amount of air flowing in from the communication holes 460, the concentration of the aerosol inhaled by the user can be adjusted.

[0245] Additionally, when the filter section 30 of the mouthpiece section 450 is in a form where the filter 31 is wrapped with the wrapping paper 35 and the tip paper 40, it is preferable that the communication holes 460 are provided at positions corresponding to the ventilation holes provided in the tip paper 40, at least in the wrapping paper 35. When manufacturing a flavor inhalation article 4 with such a mouthpiece section 450, the tip paper 40 may be wrapped so that the communication holes 460 overlap with the ventilation holes provided in the tip paper 40, but from the standpoint of ease of manufacturing, it is preferable to first manufacture a flavor inhalation article 4 without communication holes 460, and then create holes that penetrate both the mouthpiece section 450 and the tip paper 40 simultaneously.

[0246] The region where the communication holes 460 are present is preferably a region where the filling density of the sheet member constituting the filter 31 is relatively low, in other words, a region of the filter 31 where the object 33 is not disposed, from the standpoint of improving the efficiency of air inflow.

[0247] In the example shown in FIG. 14, a solid object 33 smaller than the size in the centerline direction of the filter 31 is positioned on the first side (substrate section 10 side) within the filter 31, and the communication holes 460 are provided in a region where the object 33 is not disposed in the filter 31. Specifically, the communication holes 460 are provided in a region downstream of the object 33.

[0248] The communication holes 460 only need to be provided in a region where the object 33 is not disposed in the filter 31, and are not limited to the above configuration.

[0249] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of the longitudinal section of the flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment, where the object 33 is solid, and (A) shows the object 33 positioned on the second side within the filter 31, (B) shows the object 33 positioned closer to the center within the filter 31, and (C) shows multiple objects 33 positioned within the filter 31.

[0250] When a solid object 33 smaller than the size in the centerline direction of the filter 31 is positioned on the second side (downstream side) within the filter 31, as shown in FIG. 15 (A), the communication holes 460 may be provided in a region upstream of the object 33.

[0251] Additionally, when a solid object 33 smaller than the size in the centerline direction of the filter 31 is positioned closer to the center within the filter 31 in the centerline direction, as shown in FIG. 15 (B), the communication holes 460 may be provided in a region upstream of the object 33. Note that the communication holes 460 may also be provided in a region downstream of the object 33.

[0252] Additionally, when multiple objects 33 are positioned in multiple regions within the filter 31, as shown in FIG. 15 (C), the communication holes 460 may be provided in a region where the object 33 is not disposed in the filter 31. The communication holes 460 may be provided in any region upstream, closer to the center, or downstream, as long as it is a region where the object 33 is not disposed.

[0253] As described above, the flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment includes at least a substrate section 10 containing the aerosol source 11, a filter section 30 through which the aerosol passes, and tip paper 40 wrapped around the outer circumferential surfaces of the substrate section 10 and the filter section 30. The filter section 30 includes a filter 31, which is a paper filter filled with a sheet member, and an object 33 disposed in the filter 31, where the object 33 is harder than the filter 31 at a position where the object 33 is not disposed. The object 33 can improve the sensation of holding the filter section 30 in the mouth or hand. Additionally, the object 33 may be a hollow member.

Fifth Embodiment

[0254] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article 5 according to the fifth embodiment, where the object 33 is solid, and (A) shows the object 33 positioned on the first side within the filter 31, and (B) shows the object 33 positioned on the second side within the filter 31.

[0255] The flavor inhalation article 5 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment in that the filter section 530 corresponding to the filter section 30 is different. The differences from the fourth embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the fourth and fifth embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0256] The filter section 530 includes a filter 31, which is a paper filter, a separate filter 32, which is an independent filter separate from the filter 31, an object 33 disposed within the filter 31 that is harder than the filter 31 at a position where the object 33 is not disposed, and a wrapping paper 35 that is present between the filter 31 and the tip paper 40 and is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the filter 31. The filter section 530 is connected (linked) to the substrate section 10 by the substrate section 10 and the filter section 530 being integrally wound together using the tip paper 40. It is preferable that the filter 31 and the separate filter 32 are each wound with separate wrapping paper 35 and then further wound together with another wrapping paper 35.

[0257] The configuration of the separate filter 32 in the filter section 530 can be exemplified as being the same as the separate filter 32 included in the filter section 230 according to the second embodiment. The shape and dimensions of the filter 31 and the separate filter 32 can be appropriately adjusted so that the shape and dimensions of the filter section 530 fall within the aforementioned range.

[0258] The filter section 530 includes a separate filter 32 connected to the second side of the substrate section 10 and a filter 31 positioned on the second side of the separate filter 32. The separate filter 32 is positioned on the upstream side, and the filter 31 is positioned on the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 16(A), a solid object 33 smaller than the size in the centerline direction of the filter 31 is positioned on the first side (upstream side) within the filter 31, and the communication hole 460 may be provided in a region downstream of the object 33. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 16(B), a solid object 33 smaller than the size in the centerline direction of the filter 31 is positioned on the second side (downstream side) within the filter 31, and the communication hole 460 may be provided in a region upstream of the object 33.

[0259] The configuration of the filter section 530 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 16(A) and (B), and the positional relationship between the filter 31 and the separate filter 32 may be changed.

[0260] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article 5 according to the fifth embodiment, where the object 33 is solid, and (A) shows the object 33 positioned on the first side within the filter 31, and (B) shows the object 33 positioned on the second side within the filter 31.

[0261] The filter section 530 includes a filter 31 connected to the second side of the substrate section 10 and a separate filter 32 positioned on the second side of the filter 31. The filter 31 is positioned on the upstream side, and the separate filter 32 is positioned on the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 17 (A), a solid object 33 smaller than the size in the centerline direction of the filter 31 is positioned on the first side (upstream side) within the filter 31, and the communication hole 460 may be provided in a region downstream of the object 33. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 17 (B), a solid object 33 smaller than the size in the centerline direction of the filter 31 is positioned on the second side (downstream side) within the filter 31, and the communication hole 460 may be provided in a region upstream of the object 33.

[0262] As described above, the filter section 530 of the flavor inhalation article 5 according to the fifth embodiment includes a filter 31, which is a paper filter, a separate filter 32, which is an independent filter separate from the filter 31, and an object 33 disposed within the filter 31 that is harder than the filter 31 at a position where the object 33 is not disposed. Note that in the above example, the filter section 530 has a dual structure with a separate filter 32 in addition to the filter 31, which is a paper filter, but is not limited to this. The filter section 530 may have two or more filters in addition to the filter 31, which is a paper filter. The object 33 can improve the sensation of holding the filter section 530 in the mouth or hand. Additionally, the object 33 may be a hollow member.

Sixth Embodiment

[0263] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a longitudinal section of a flavor inhalation article 6 according to the sixth embodiment, where the object 33 is solid, and (A) shows the object 33 positioned on the first side of the aerosol modifier 34, (B) shows the object 33 positioned on the second side of the aerosol modifier 34, and (C) shows the object 33 positioned on both the first side and the second side of the aerosol modifier 34.

[0264] The flavor inhalation article 6 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the flavor inhalation article 4 according to the fourth embodiment in that the filter section 630 corresponding to the filter section 30 is different. The differences from the fourth embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the fourth and sixth embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0265] The filter section 630 includes a filter 31, which is a paper filter, an object 33 with a lower filtration rate than the filter 31, an aerosol modifier 34 that modifies the aerosol, and a wrapping paper 35 that is present between the filter 31 and the tip paper 40 and is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the filter 31. The filter section 630 is connected (linked) to the substrate section 10 by the substrate section 10 and the filter section 630 being integrally wound together using the tip paper 40. Note that the wrapping paper 35 may not be included.

[0266] The configuration of the aerosol modifier 34 in the filter section 630 can be exemplified as being the same as the aerosol modifier 34 included in the filter section 330 according to the third embodiment.

[0267] When the aerosol modifier 34 is positioned on the second side (downstream side) relative to the object 33 and arranged in a straight line in the centerline direction with the object 33, as shown in FIG. 18 (A), the communication hole 460 may be provided in the region between the object 33 and the aerosol modifier 34. Additionally, the communication hole 460 may be provided in a region downstream of the aerosol modifier 34.

[0268] Furthermore, when the aerosol modifier 34 is positioned on the first side (upstream side) relative to the object 33 and arranged in a straight line in the centerline direction with the object 33, as shown in FIG. 18 (B), the communication hole 460 may be provided in the region between the object 33 and the aerosol modifier 34. Additionally, the communication hole 460 may be provided in a region upstream of the aerosol modifier 34.

[0269] Moreover, when the aerosol modifier 34 is positioned on both the first side (upstream side) and the second side (downstream side) relative to the object 33 and arranged in a straight line in the centerline direction with multiple objects 33, as shown in FIG. 18 (C), the communication hole 460 may be provided in the region between the object 33 and the aerosol modifier 34.

[0270] As described above, the filter section 630 of the flavor inhalation article 6 according to the sixth embodiment includes a filter 31, which is a paper filter, an object 33 disposed within the filter 31 that is harder than the filter 31 at a position where the object 33 is not disposed, and an aerosol modifier 34 that modifies the aerosol. By having the object 33 within the filter section 630, the sensation of holding the filter section 630 in the mouth or hand can be improved. Additionally, the object 33 may be a hollow member. Furthermore, if the aerosol modifier 34 is harder than the filter 31 at a position where the aerosol modifier 34 is not disposed, it becomes a second object and can further enhance the sensation of holding and using the filter section 630.

SUMMARY

[0271] The present disclosure includes the following configurations. [0272] (1) A filter section for a flavor inhalation article, comprising a paper filter, and an object disposed within the paper filter, wherein the object is harder than the paper filter at a position where the object is not disposed. [0273] (2) The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to (1), wherein the hardness of the filter section at a position corresponding to the object is 85% or more when measured with a Borgwaldt DD60A. [0274] (3) The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to (1) or (2), wherein the stress at a predetermined strain of the filter section at a position corresponding to the object is 1.0 N or more and 10 N or less at a strain rate of 10%. [0275] (4) The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the stress at a predetermined strain of the filter section at a position not corresponding to the object is 0.2 N or more and 1.5 N or less at a strain rate of 10%. [0276] (5) The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the object is an elongated hollow or solid three-dimensional body and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the filter section. [0277] (6) The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the paper filter is a filter filled with a sheet member. [0278] (7) The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the paper filter is a filter filled with the sheet member so that voids are formed across the longitudinal direction of the filter section. [0279] (8) The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the paper filter is a filter in which the sheet member, which is made of paper or nonwoven fabric, is crimped. [0280] (9) The filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the paper filter is a filter in which the sheet member is gathered. [0281] (10) A flavor inhalation article comprising: the filter section for a flavor inhalation article according to any one of (1) to (9); and a substrate section including an aerosol source. [0282] (11) The flavor inhalation article according to (10), wherein the flavor inhalation article is a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation article. [0283] (12) The flavor inhalation article according to (10), wherein the flavor inhalation article is a combustion-type flavor inhalation article.

[0284] This application claims priority based on PCT applications PCT/JP2022/47985, PCT/JP2022/47988, and PCT/JP2022/47989, filed on Dec. 26, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0285] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 . . . flavor inhalation article, 10 . . . substrate section, 11 . . . aerosol source, 20 . . . cooling section, 30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630 . . . filter section, 31 . . . filter, 31a . . . sheet member, 31b . . . void, 32 . . . separate filter, 33 . . . object, 34 . . . aerosol modifier, 35 . . . wrapping paper, 40 . . . tip paper, 50 . . . mouthpiece segment, 60 . . . through-hole, 450 . . . mouthpiece section, 460 . . . communication hole