Tobacco granules and method for producing same, tobacco stick, tobacco refill, and non-combustion heating flavor inhaler

Abstract

Provided are tobacco granules capable of releasing a high amount of flavoring component at the time of use, even as the amount of flavoring component packed has been reduced. The tobacco granules contain tobacco starting material and binder, have an average grain diameter (D50) of 600 μm or smaller, and contain at least 3.8 mass% nicotine.

Description

Tobacco granules and their manufacturing method, tobacco sticks, tobacco refills, and non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers

[0001] The present invention relates to tobacco granules and a method for producing the same, a tobacco stick, a tobacco refill, and a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler.

[0002] Non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers are known as tobacco products that provide users with flavor by heating tobacco filler material without burning it. Non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers include a tobacco filler material and an aerosol source. When heated, steam is generated from the moisture in the tobacco filler material and the aerosol source, and flavor components migrate from the tobacco filler material into the steam, generating an aerosol (mainstream smoke). On the other hand, since non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers do not burn the tobacco filler material, flavor components are less likely to be released from the tobacco filler material during use. Examples of the tobacco filler material include tobacco granules as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, etc.

[0003] International Publication No. 2023 / 276069 International Publication No. 2021 / 201265 International Publication No. 2021 / 085532

[0004] In non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers filled with tobacco granules, there is a demand for reducing the amount of tobacco granules filled into the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler to reduce costs while ensuring the amount of flavor components released during use. Therefore, there is a need for the development of tobacco granules that can meet these demands.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide tobacco granules that can achieve a high release amount of flavor components during use even when the filling amount is reduced, a tobacco stick containing the tobacco granules, a tobacco refill, and a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler.

[0006] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0007] [1] Tobacco granules comprising a tobacco raw material and a binder, the tobacco granules having an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less and a nicotine content of 3.8% by mass or more.

[0008] [2] Tobacco granules comprising a tobacco raw material containing 40 to 60% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco and a binder, the tobacco granules having an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less and a nicotine content of 2.6% by mass or more.

[0009] [3] Tobacco granules comprising a tobacco raw material containing 60 to 80% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco and a binder, the tobacco granules having an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less and a nicotine content of 2.9% by mass or more.

[0010] [4] Tobacco granules according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the binder is at least one binder selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, and xanthan gum.

[0011] [5] The tobacco granules according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a flavoring agent.

[0012] [6] A tobacco stick or tobacco refill comprising the tobacco granules according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0013] [7] A non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler containing the tobacco granules according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0014] [8] A method for producing tobacco granules, comprising: a step of preparing a tobacco composition containing a tobacco raw material, a binder, and water; a step of extruding the tobacco composition through extrusion holes having a diameter of 1.0 to 1.8 mm to obtain a molded product; a step of sizing the molded product by passing it through a sieve having a mesh size of 1.0 to 2.5 mm while pulverizing it with a first rotating blade to obtain a sieved product; a step of drying the sieved product; and a step of pulverizing the dried sieved product by passing it through an upper sieve having a mesh size of 0.657 to 0.84 mm while pulverizing it with a second rotating blade, and further removing fine particles using a lower sieve to obtain tobacco granules.

[0015] [9] The method according to [8], wherein the average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules is 600 μm or less.

[0016]

[10] The method according to [8] or [9], wherein the nicotine content of the tobacco granules is 3.8% by mass or more.

[0017]

[11] The method according to any one of [8] to

[10] , wherein the moisture content of the tobacco composition is 22 to 27% by mass.

[0018]

[12] The method according to any one of [8] to

[11] , wherein the rotation speed of the first rotating blade is 3800 to 4600 rpm.

[0019]

[13] The method according to any one of [8] to

[12] , wherein the rotation speed of the second rotary blade is 3000 to 3600 rpm.

[0020]

[14] The method according to any one of [8] to

[13] , wherein the drying temperature in the step of drying the sized product is 57 to 84°C.

[0021]

[15] The method according to any one of [8] to

[14] , wherein the mesh diameter of the lower sieve is 0.263 to 0.312 mm.

[0022]

[16] The method according to any one of [8] to

[15] , further comprising the step of adding a flavoring agent.

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide tobacco granules that can achieve a high release amount of flavor components during use even when the filling amount is reduced, a tobacco stick containing the tobacco granules, a tobacco refill, and a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the power supply unit in the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler of Fig. 1;

[0025] [Tobacco Granules] (First Embodiment) Tobacco granules according to this embodiment include a tobacco raw material and a binder. Here, the tobacco granules have an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less, and a nicotine content of 3.8% by mass or more. In the tobacco granules according to this embodiment, because the average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules is 600 μm or less, the surface area of ​​the tobacco granules is large, and a large amount of flavor components such as nicotine is released when heated. Furthermore, because the nicotine content of the tobacco granules is 3.8% by mass or more, a large amount of flavor components is released when heated. Therefore, when tobacco granules according to this embodiment are filled into a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler, a high amount of flavor components can be released during use even if the filling amount is reduced.

[0026] The tobacco raw material can be tobacco particles. In this case, a plurality of tobacco particles are bound together by a binder to form tobacco granules. The tobacco particles can be ground aged tobacco leaves. The aged tobacco leaves can be leaf tobacco obtained by subjecting the leaves of cultivated and harvested tobacco plants to a drying process on the farm, a long-term aging process of one to several years at a raw material factory, and subsequent processing such as blending and shredding at a manufacturing factory. Grinding can be carried out using a known grinder, and can be either dry grinding or wet grinding.

[0027] Examples of leaf tobacco varieties include flue-cured, burley, oriental, native, other Nicotiana tabacum varieties, and Nicotiana rustica varieties. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, burley is preferred from the viewpoint of the high content of flavor components such as nicotine.

[0028] The tobacco particles may have an average particle size (D50) of preferably 200 to 300 μm, more preferably 250 to 300 μm. The average particle size (D50) of the tobacco particles refers to the average particle size (D50) based on a volume-based particle size distribution measured by a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution measurement method. Measurement of the average particle size by a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution measurement method can be performed in accordance with JIS Z8825:2013 (Particle size analysis - laser diffraction / scattering method). The average particle size (D50) can be measured, for example, using a laser diffraction particle size distribution measurement device (e.g., HORIBA, Ltd., LA-950).

[0029] The amount of tobacco raw material contained in 100% by mass of tobacco granules may be 50 to 90% by mass, preferably 60 to 80% by mass, more preferably 65 to 75% by mass, and even more preferably 70 to 75% by mass.

[0030] The binder serves to bind the tobacco raw materials together. From the viewpoints of tobacco raw material binding strength and flavor, preferred binders are hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, and xanthan gum. These binders may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0031] The amount of binder contained in 100% by mass of tobacco granules may be 3 to 20% by mass, preferably 5 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 5 to 8% by mass.

[0032] The tobacco granules according to this embodiment can contain, in addition to the tobacco raw material and the binder, for example, a flavor development aid, an aerosol base material, a flavoring agent, and the like.

[0033] The flavor development aid adjusts the pH of the tobacco granules to the alkaline side, thereby promoting the release of flavor components from the tobacco granules and providing a flavor that is satisfactory to the user. The flavor development aid is not particularly limited as long as it can adjust the pH of the tobacco granules to the alkaline side, but examples include potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof. The pH value of the tobacco granules is usually 8.5 or more and 11.0 or less, and from the perspective of obtaining a good flavor, it is preferably 9.0 or more and 10.0 or less.

[0034] When a flavor development aid is contained in the tobacco granules, the amount of the flavor development aid contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco granules may be 5 to 30% by mass, preferably 5 to 20% by mass, more preferably 5 to 10% by mass, and even more preferably 7 to 9% by mass.

[0035] The aerosol base is a material that generates aerosol smoke upon heating. The type of aerosol base is not particularly limited, and various extracts from natural products and / or their constituent components can be selected depending on the application. Specific examples of the aerosol base include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0036] When the tobacco granules contain an aerosol base, the amount of the aerosol base contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco granules is preferably 0 to 30% by mass.

[0037] The type of flavoring agent is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include fragrances and flavoring agents. The flavoring agent may be in any form, such as a liquid or solid, and may be a single component or a combination of multiple components.

[0038] Suitable flavors of the fragrance include flavors selected from sugar and sugar-based flavors, licorice, cocoa, chocolate, juice and fruits, spices, liquor, herbs, vanilla, and floral flavors, either alone or in combination.

[0039] A wide variety of flavoring ingredients can be used as the flavoring, such as those described in "Collection of Well-Known and Commonly Used Techniques (Fragrances)" (published by the Japan Patent Office on March 14, 2007), "Latest Encyclopedia of Flavors (Popular Edition)" (edited by Soichi Arai, Akio Kobayashi, Izumi Yajima, and Michiaki Kawasaki, Asakura Shoten, on February 25, 2012), and "Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products" (published by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, June 1972).

[0040] Examples of the fragrance include fragrances selected from isothiocyanates, indole and its derivatives, ethers, esters, ketones, fatty acids, higher aliphatic alcohols, higher aliphatic aldehydes, higher aliphatic hydrocarbons, thioethers, thiols, terpene hydrocarbons, phenol ethers, phenols, furfural and its derivatives, aromatic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, lactones, etc., either alone or in combination. Materials that impart a cooling / warming sensation may also be used.

[0041] More specifically, the flavoring agent may be acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peru balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, ginseng, niacin, niacinamide, niacinamide, niacinamide methylparaben ... Gin juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronellol, clary sage extract, coffee, cognac oil, coriander oil, cuminaldehyde, davana oil, δ-decalactone, γ-decalactone, decanoic acid, dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7 -dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxybenzoate hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, genet absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, inmortel absolute, beta-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, lovage root oil, maple syrup, me Insol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, para-methoxybenzaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, honey, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, gamma-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, delta-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, omega-pentadeca Lactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain Paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenylguaethol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, alpha-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8- Tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratraldehyde, violet leaf absolute, citral, mandarin oil, 4-(acetoxymethyl)toluene, 2-methyl-1-butanol, ethyl 10-undecenoate, isoamyl hexanoate, 1-phenylethylacetic acid, lauric acid, 8-mercaptomenthone, sinensal, hexyl butyrate, plant powder (herb powder, flower powder, spice powder, Tea powder: cocoa powder, carob powder, coriander powder, licorice powder, orange peel powder, rose pip powder, chamomile flower powder, lemon verbena powder, peppermint powder, leaf powder, spearmint powder, black tea powder, etc.), camphor, isopulegol, cineole, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, 2-l-menthoxyethanol (COOLACT® 5), 3-l-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol (COOLACT® 10) , 1-menthyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (COOLACT® 20), p-menthane-3,8-diol (COOLACT® 38D), N-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1-carboxamide (COOLACT® 370), N-(4-(cyanomethyl)phenyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexanecarboxamide (COOLACT® 40 0), N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexanecarboxamide, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide)acetate (WS-5), N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide (WS-12), 2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide (WS-23), 3-l-menthoxy-2-methylpropane-1,2-diol, 2-l-menthoxyethan-1-ol, 3-l-menthoxypropan-1-ol, 4-l-menthoxybutan-1-ol, menthyl lactate (FEMA3748), menthone glycerin acetal (Frescolat MGA, FEMA3807, FEMA3808), 2-(2-l-menthyloxyethyl)ethanol, menthyl glyoxylate, menthyl 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate, menthyl succinate (FEMA3810), N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)-ethyl)-3-p-menthanecarboxamide (FEMA4549), N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, N-(4-cyanomethylphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, and N-(4-aminocarbonylphenyl)-p-menthane.

[0042] Examples of flavoring agents include materials that exhibit sweetness, sourness, saltiness, umami, bitterness, astringency, and richness. Examples of materials that exhibit sweetness include sugars, sugar alcohols, and sweeteners. Examples of sugars include monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Examples of sweeteners include natural sweeteners and synthetic sweeteners. Examples of materials that exhibit sourness include organic acids (and their sodium salts). Examples of organic acids include acetic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid. Examples of materials that exhibit bitterness include caffeine (extract), naringin, and wormwood extract. Examples of materials that exhibit saltiness include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium acetate, and potassium acetate. Examples of materials that provide umami include sodium glutamate, sodium inosinate, sodium guanylate, etc. Examples of materials that provide astringency include tannin, shibuol, etc.

[0043] When a flavoring is contained in the tobacco granules, the amount of the flavoring contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco granules may be 5 to 20% by mass, and preferably 9 to 13% by mass.

[0044] The tobacco granules according to this embodiment may be substantially spherical. The average particle diameter (D50) of the tobacco granules is 600 μm or less, preferably 550 μm or less, and may be 400 μm or more. If the average particle diameter (D50) is greater than the upper limit, a decrease in nicotine delivery may occur. If the average particle diameter is less than the lower limit, the irritation of flavor components may become stronger. The average particle diameter (D50) of the tobacco granules refers to the average particle diameter (D50) based on a volume-based particle size distribution measured by a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution measurement method. Measurement of the average particle diameter by the laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution measurement method can be performed in accordance with JIS Z8825:2013 (Particle size analysis - laser diffraction / scattering method). The average particle diameter (D50) can be measured, for example, using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution measurement device (e.g., HORIBA, Ltd., LA-950).

[0045] The tobacco granules according to this embodiment preferably have a nicotine content of 3.8% by mass or more and 6.0% by mass or less. By having the nicotine content of the tobacco granules be 3.8% by mass or more, a sufficient amount of flavor components is released upon heating. If the nicotine content of the tobacco granules exceeds 6.0% by mass, the nicotine may be too strong.

[0046] Second Embodiment Tobacco granules according to this embodiment include a tobacco raw material containing 40 to 60% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco, and a binder. Here, the average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules is 600 μm or less, and the nicotine content of the tobacco granules is 2.6% by mass or more. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the tobacco granules according to this embodiment are filled into a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler, a high release amount of flavor components can be achieved during use even if the filling amount is reduced.

[0047] In this embodiment, the tobacco raw material contains 40 to 60 mass% of Burley leaf tobacco, and the same materials and blending amounts as in the first embodiment can be used. Furthermore, the tobacco granules according to this embodiment can have the same shape and average particle size (D50) as in the first embodiment.

[0048] The tobacco granules according to this embodiment preferably have a nicotine content of 2.6% by mass or more and 4.0% by mass or less. When the nicotine content of the tobacco granules is 2.6% by mass or more, a sufficient amount of flavor components is released when heated.

[0049] (Third Embodiment) Tobacco granules according to this embodiment include a tobacco raw material containing 60 to 80% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco, and a binder. Here, the average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules is 600 μm or less, and the nicotine content of the tobacco granules is 2.9% by mass or more. In this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, when the tobacco granules according to this embodiment are filled into a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler, a high amount of flavor component release can be achieved during use even if the filling amount is reduced.

[0050] In this embodiment, the tobacco raw material contains 60 to 80 mass% of Burley leaf tobacco, and the same materials and blending amounts as in the first embodiment can be used. Furthermore, the tobacco granules according to this embodiment can have the same shape and average particle size (D50) as in the first embodiment.

[0051] The tobacco granules according to this embodiment preferably have a nicotine content of 2.9% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less. When the nicotine content of the tobacco granules is 2.9% by mass or more, a sufficient amount of flavor components is released when heated.

[0052] The tobacco granules according to the first, second, and third embodiments may be produced by any method, but production by the tobacco granule production method described below is preferred because it reduces the particle size of the tobacco granules while reducing the moisture content of the tobacco composition, which is the raw material, and thereby increases the nicotine content in the resulting tobacco granules.

[0053] [Method for Producing Tobacco Granules] The method for producing tobacco granules according to this embodiment includes the following steps: a step of preparing a tobacco composition containing tobacco raw materials, a binder, and water (hereinafter also referred to as the "tobacco composition preparation step"); a step of extruding the tobacco composition through extrusion holes having a diameter of 1.0 to 1.8 mm to obtain a molded product (hereinafter also referred to as the "extrusion molding step"); a step of sizing the molded product by passing it through a sieve having a mesh size of 1.0 to 2.5 mm while pulverizing it with a first rotating blade to obtain a sized product (hereinafter also referred to as the "sizing step"); a step of drying the sized product (hereinafter also referred to as the "drying step"); and a step of pulverizing the dried sized product with a second rotating blade while passing it through an upper sieve having a mesh size of 0.657 to 0.84 mm, and then removing fine particles using a lower sieve to obtain tobacco granules (hereinafter also referred to as the "tobacco granule production step"). The method for producing tobacco granules according to this embodiment allows the tobacco granules according to this embodiment to be produced simply and efficiently.

[0054] The method for producing tobacco granules according to this embodiment may include other steps in addition to the steps described above, such as a step of adding a flavoring (hereinafter also referred to as a "flavoring adding step").

[0055] (Tobacco Composition Preparation Process) In this process, a tobacco composition containing tobacco raw materials, a binder, and water is prepared. The types and amounts of the tobacco raw materials and binder are the same as those of the tobacco granules according to the present embodiment described above. In the granulation process described below, the tobacco composition is extruded through small extrusion holes to form granules, and therefore the tobacco composition contains water to ensure the fluidity of the tobacco composition. However, if the tobacco composition contains a large amount of water, sufficient heating is required in the drying process described below, causing flavor components to disperse during drying and reducing the content of flavor components in the resulting tobacco granules. Therefore, it is preferable that the tobacco composition have an appropriate moisture content. Specifically, the moisture content of the tobacco composition is preferably 22 to 27% by mass, and more preferably 23 to 26% by mass.

[0056] In addition to the tobacco raw material, binder, and water, the tobacco composition may also contain a flavor development aid, an aerosol base material, etc. The tobacco composition can be prepared, for example, by mixing raw materials such as the tobacco raw material, binder, and water in a kneader.

[0057] (Extrusion Molding Step) In this step, the tobacco composition obtained in the tobacco composition preparation step described above is extruded through extrusion holes having a diameter of 1.0 to 1.8 mm to obtain a molded product. For example, using a wet extrusion molding machine, the tobacco composition is extruded into a cylindrical (long columnar) shape by passing it through a plate (screen) having a large number of extrusion holes having a diameter of 1.0 to 1.8 mm. During extrusion molding, it is preferable to extrude the tobacco composition at ambient temperature under a pressure of 2 kN or more. As a wet extrusion molding machine, for example, Extrudemix (trade name, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation) can be used.

[0058] (Sizing step) In this step, the molded product obtained in the extrusion molding step described above is sized by passing it through a sieve with a mesh size of 1.0 to 2.5 mm while being crushed by the first rotating blade of a first sieving machine, to obtain a sized product. For example, the molded product is fed into a sieving machine equipped with a first rotating blade and a screen with a mesh size of 1.0 to 2.5 mm. The molded product is crushed by the rotation of the first rotating blade, and some of the smaller particles are discharged through the openings of the screen with a mesh size of 1.0 to 2.5 mm, to obtain a sized product.

[0059] The rotation speed of the first rotating blade is preferably 3800 to 4600 rpm, more preferably 3800 to 4200 rpm. When the rotation speed of the first rotating blade is within the above range, the pulverization of the molded product proceeds more smoothly, and a small sized product can be efficiently produced. In the method according to this embodiment, the mesh diameter of the sieve (screen) is 1.0 to 2.5 mm. When the mesh diameter is within the above range, a small sized product can be obtained. As the first sieving machine in this step, for example, a Feather Mill (trade name, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation) can be used.

[0060] (Drying Step) In this step, the sized product obtained in the above-mentioned sizing step is dried. The drying temperature is preferably 57 to 84°C. A drying temperature of 57°C or higher allows the sized product to be sufficiently dried. Furthermore, a drying temperature of 84°C or lower can prevent flavor components from scattering due to drying. The moisture content of the sized product after drying can be, for example, 10 to 19% by mass.

[0061] (Tobacco Granule Manufacturing Process) In this process, the sized product after the drying process described above is crushed by the second rotating blade of the second sieving machine while passing through an upper sieve with a mesh size of 0.657 to 0.84 mm, and then fine particles are removed using a lower sieve to obtain tobacco granules. For example, the dried sized product is introduced into a tobacco granule manufacturing line comprising a second rotating blade, upper and lower vibrating sieves having an upper sieve with a mesh size of 0.657 to 0.84 mm and a lower sieve with a smaller mesh size than the upper sieve (e.g., a lower sieve with a mesh size of 0.263 to 0.312 mm), and a fine particle removal device. The dried sized product is crushed by the second rotating blade, and some of the smaller particles pass through the upper sieve with a mesh size of 0.657 to 0.84 mm. The particles that pass through the upper sieve are passed through a lower sieve with a mesh size of 0.263 to 0.312 mm, and the fine particles that pass through the lower sieve are removed by a removal device. Meanwhile, the particles that do not pass through the lower sieve are discharged and become tobacco granules.

[0062] The rotation speed of the second rotating blade is preferably 3000 to 3600 rpm. By setting the rotation speed of the second rotating blade within this range, the sized product is more pulverized, allowing for efficient production of small tobacco granules. Furthermore, in the method according to this embodiment, the mesh diameter of the upper sieve is 0.657 to 0.84 mm. By setting the mesh diameter within this range, smaller tobacco granules can be obtained. The mesh diameter of the lower sieve is preferably 0.263 to 0.312 mm. As the second sieving machine in this step, for example, a Disintegrator (trade name, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation) can be used.

[0063] (Flavor Addition Process) In this process, a flavor is added as needed. For example, a flavor is added to the tobacco granules obtained in the tobacco granule production process described above. The flavor can be the same as the flavor used in the tobacco granules according to this embodiment described above. The flavor can be added by adding the flavor while stirring the tobacco granules, for example, using a batch mixer having two ribbon-shaped screws that rotate and revolve along the inner wall surface of the casing.

[0064] [Tobacco sticks, tobacco refills, and non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers] The tobacco sticks or tobacco refills according to the present embodiment contain tobacco granules according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, the non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers according to the present embodiment contain tobacco granules according to the present embodiment. Because the tobacco sticks, tobacco refills, and non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers according to the present embodiment contain the tobacco granules according to the present embodiment, they can achieve a high release amount of flavor components during use.

[0065] A non-combustion heating flavor inhaler is a flavor inhaler that provides a user with flavor by heating a tobacco filler without burning it. The tobacco granules according to this embodiment may be incorporated into the main body of the non-combustion heating flavor inhaler, or may be incorporated into a refill tobacco product that is a component of the non-combustion heating flavor inhaler. As a specific example of the latter, the tobacco granules may be wrapped in cigarette paper to form a tobacco stick and then incorporated into the tobacco stick, or may be contained in a refill container to form a tobacco refill and then incorporated into the tobacco refill. That is, according to another aspect, a tobacco stick containing the tobacco granules according to this embodiment is provided. According to another aspect, a tobacco refill containing the tobacco granules according to this embodiment is provided. The tobacco refill may include, for example, the tobacco granules according to this embodiment and a heat-resistant container that contains the tobacco granules.

[0066] An example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the power supply unit in the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler of Figure 1.

[0067] The non-combustion and heating type flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4 has a rod shape extending in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction A). As shown in Figure 1, the non-combustion and heating type flavor inhaler 100 has a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30 provided in this order along the longitudinal direction A. The first cartridge 20 is detachable from the power supply unit 10, and the second cartridge 30 is detachable from the first cartridge 20. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are each replaceable.

[0068] 2 and 3, the power supply unit 10 accommodates a power supply 12, a charger 13, a control unit 50, various sensors, etc. inside a cylindrical power supply unit case 11. The power supply 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, preferably a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0069] A discharge terminal 41 is provided on the top portion 11a located on one end side (first cartridge 20 side) in the longitudinal direction A of the power supply unit case 11. The discharge terminal 41 is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the top portion 11a toward the first cartridge 20, and is configured to be electrically connectable to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20.

[0070] An air supply section 42 for supplying air to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20 is provided on the upper surface of the top section 11 a near the discharge terminal 41 .

[0071] A bottom portion 11b located at the other end side of the longitudinal direction A of the power supply unit case 11 (opposite the first cartridge 20) is provided with a charging terminal (not shown) that can be electrically connected to an external power source that can charge the power supply 12.

[0072] An operation unit 14 that can be operated by the user is provided on the side of the top portion 11a of the power supply unit case 11. The operation unit 14 is composed of a button switch, a touch panel, etc., and is used to start / shut off the control unit 50 and various sensors in accordance with the user's intentions.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 50 is connected to various sensors, such as the charger 13, the operation unit 14, an inhalation sensor 15 that detects puffing (inhalation), a voltage sensor 16 that measures the voltage of the power source 12, and a temperature sensor 17 that detects temperature, as well as a memory 18 that stores the number of puffing operations or the duration of power supply to the load 21, and performs various controls on the non-combustion heating flavor inhaler 100. The inhalation sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. The control unit 50 is specifically a processor (MCU: microcontroller unit). More specifically, the structure of this processor is an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0074] (First Cartridge) As shown in Figure 3, the first cartridge 20 comprises, inside a cylindrical cartridge case 27, a reservoir 23 that stores an aerosol base material 22, an electrical load 21 that atomizes the aerosol base material 22, a wick 24 that draws the aerosol base material from the reservoir 23 to the load 21, an aerosol flow path 25 through which the aerosol generated by atomization of the aerosol base material 22 flows toward the second cartridge 30, and an end cap 26 that houses part of the second cartridge 30.

[0075] Reservoir 23 is partitioned and formed so as to surround the periphery of aerosol flow path 25, and stores aerosol base material 22. Reservoir 23 may contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the porous body may be impregnated with aerosol base material 22. Reservoir 23 may not contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and may store only aerosol base material 22. Aerosol base material 22 may contain a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

[0076] The wick 24 is a liquid retention member that draws the aerosol base material 22 from the reservoir 23 into the load 21 by capillary action, and is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

[0077] Load 21 atomizes aerosol base material 22 without combustion by power supplied from power source 12 via discharge terminal 41. Load 21 is composed of an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. Note that load 21 may be any element capable of atomizing aerosol base material 22 to generate an aerosol, such as a heating element or an ultrasonic generator. Examples of heating elements include a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, and an induction heater.

[0078] The aerosol flow path 25 is provided downstream of the load 21 and on the center line L of the power supply unit 10 .

[0079] The end cap 26 includes a cartridge housing portion 26a that houses a part of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 26b that connects the aerosol flow path 25 with the cartridge housing portion 26a.

[0080] (Second Cartridge) As shown in Figure 3, the second cartridge 30 stores a flavor source 31, which is tobacco granules according to this embodiment. The second cartridge 30 is removably housed in a cartridge housing portion 26a provided in the end cap 26 of the first cartridge 20. The end of the second cartridge 30 opposite the first cartridge 20 side forms a mouthpiece 32 for the user. Note that the mouthpiece 32 need not necessarily be configured as an inseparable unit with the second cartridge 30, but may also be configured to be detachable from the second cartridge 30. By configuring the mouthpiece 32 as a separate entity from the power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20 in this way, the mouthpiece 32 can be kept hygienic.

[0081] The second cartridge 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol base material 22 by the load 21 through a flavor source 31 .

[0082] In the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 100, a flavor-added aerosol can be generated by the aerosol base material 22, the flavor source 31, and the load 21. In other words, the aerosol base material 22 and the flavor source 31 can be said to be an aerosol generation source that generates the aerosol.

[0083] The non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 100 has a configuration in which the aerosol base 22 and the flavor source 31 are separate entities, but may also have a configuration in which the aerosol base 22 and the flavor source 31 are integrally formed.

[0084] In the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 100 configured in this manner, as shown by arrow B in Figure 3, air flowing in from an air intake (not shown) provided in the power supply unit case 11 passes through the air supply unit 42 and near the load 21 of the first cartridge 20. The load 21 atomizes the aerosol base material 22 drawn in or moved from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The atomized aerosol flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in from the air intake and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 via the communication passage 26b. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 is flavored by passing through the flavor source 31 and is then supplied to the mouthpiece 32.

[0085] The non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 100 is also provided with an alarm unit 45 that notifies various pieces of information. The alarm unit 45 may be composed of a light-emitting element, a vibration element, or a sound output element. The alarm unit 45 may also be a combination of two or more elements selected from the light-emitting element, the vibration element, and the sound output element. The alarm unit 45 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10 to shorten the wires from the power supply 12. For example, the alarm unit 45 may be provided around the operating unit 14, the surrounding area of ​​the operating unit 14 may be translucent, and the alarm unit 45 may be configured to emit light using a light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0086] Specific examples of this embodiment will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0087] Example 1 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 55% by mass of Burley tobacco was prepared as the tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 63% by mass of the tobacco raw material with 5% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 24% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Next, using a wet extrusion molding machine (product name: Extrudemix, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation), the tobacco composition was extruded into a cylindrical (long columnar) shape through a plate (screen) with multiple extrusion holes with diameters of 1.0 to 1.8 mm, to obtain a molded product. The temperature during extrusion of the tobacco composition was 65°C. Next, the molded product was placed in a sieving machine (product name: Feather Mill, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation) equipped with a first rotating blade and a screen with a mesh size of 1.0 to 2.5 mm. The molded product was pulverized by rotating the first rotating blade at a rotation speed of 3800 to 4600 rpm. A portion of the pulverized molded product was discharged through the openings of a screen with a mesh diameter of 1.0 to 2.5 mm to obtain a sized product. The sized product was then dried at 75°C to obtain a sized product with a moisture content of 12.5% ​​by mass. The dried sized product was then placed in a second sieve (product name: Disintegrator, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation) equipped with a second rotating blade, an upper sieve with a mesh diameter of 0.657 to 0.84 mm and a lower sieve with a mesh diameter of 0.263 to 0.312 mm, and a fine particle removal device. The sized product was pulverized by rotating the second rotating blade at a rotation speed of 3000 to 3600 rpm. A portion of the pulverized granules passed through an upper sieve with a mesh size of 0.657 to 0.84 mm and was then sieved through a lower sieve with a mesh size of 0.263 to 0.312 mm. Fine particles that passed through the lower sieve were removed using a removal device. Meanwhile, particles that did not pass through the lower sieve were discharged to obtain tobacco granules. A flavoring was then added to the tobacco granules. In this manner, the tobacco granules of this example were produced. The tobacco granules had an average particle size (D50) of 473 μm and a nicotine content of 2.70% by mass.

[0088] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) 260 mg of the obtained tobacco granules were loaded into the second cartridge 30 of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4. Using this non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 100, the amount of nicotine contained in the smoke was measured. Specifically, the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 100 was inhaled with a smoking device (55 cc was inhaled with a square wave for 2 seconds, 50 puffs), and the smoke was collected with a Cambridge filter. The nicotine collected in the Cambridge filter was quantitatively analyzed with a gas chromatograph (using an FID detector). The results are shown in Table 1.

[0089] [Example 2] Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the filling amount of the tobacco granules was changed to 290 mg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0090] [Example 3] Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the filling amount of the tobacco granules was changed to 310 mg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0091] Comparative Example 1 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 55% by mass of Burley tobacco was prepared as the tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 63% by mass of the tobacco raw material with 5% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 25% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Next, using a wet extrusion molding machine (product name: Extrudemix, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation), the tobacco composition was extruded into a cylindrical (long columnar) shape through a plate (screen) with multiple extrusion holes with a diameter of 0.9 mm, to obtain a molded product. The temperature during extrusion of the tobacco composition was 75°C. Next, the molded product was placed in a granulator (product name: Feather Mill, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation) equipped with a first rotating blade and a screen with a mesh diameter of 3.0 mm. The molded product was pulverized by rotating the first rotating blade at a rotation speed of 3800 to 4600 rpm. A portion of the pulverized molded product was discharged through the opening of a screen with a mesh diameter of 3.0 mm to obtain a sized product. The sized product was then dried at 100°C to obtain a sized product with a moisture content of 12.5% ​​by mass. The dried sized product was then placed in a second sieve (product name: Disintegrator, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation) equipped with a second rotating blade, upper and lower vibrating sieves having an upper sieve with a mesh diameter of 0.657 to 0.840 mm and a lower sieve with a mesh diameter of 0.263 to 0.312 mm, and a fine particle removal device. The sized product was pulverized by rotating the second rotating blade at a rotation speed of 3000 to 3600 rpm. A portion of the pulverized sized product passed through the upper sieve with a mesh diameter of 0.657 to 0.840 mm and was passed through the lower sieve with a mesh diameter of 0.263 to 0.312 mm. Fine particles that passed through the lower sieve were removed by a removal device. Meanwhile, particles that did not pass through the lower sieve were discharged to obtain tobacco granules. A flavoring was then added to the tobacco granules. In this manner, the tobacco granules of this comparative example were produced. The tobacco granules had an average particle size (D50) of 750 μm and a nicotine content of 2.47% by mass.

[0092] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the filling amount of tobacco granules was changed to 350 mg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0093] Comparative Example 2 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) A ​​sized product was prepared using an agitation granulator (trade name: Vertical Granulator, manufactured by Powrex Corporation). Specifically, a tobacco composition was prepared with the same composition as in Example 1, except that the amount of water was changed to 37.5% by mass. The tobacco composition was then processed in the agitation granulator to obtain a sized product. The obtained sized product was dried at 85°C to obtain a sized product with a moisture content of 12.5% ​​by mass. Next, the dried sized product was placed in a second sieving machine (trade name: Disintegrator, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation) equipped with a second rotating blade, upper and lower vibrating sieves having an upper sieve with a mesh diameter of 0.657 to 0.840 mm and a lower sieve with a mesh diameter of 0.263 to 0.312 mm, and a fine particle removal device. The sized product was pulverized by rotating the second rotating blade at a rotation speed of 3000 to 3600 rpm. A portion of the pulverized granules passed through an upper sieve with a mesh size of 0.657 to 0.840 mm and was then sieved through a lower sieve with a mesh size of 0.263 to 0.312 mm. Fine particles that passed through the lower sieve were removed using a removal device. Meanwhile, particles that did not pass through the lower sieve were discharged to obtain tobacco granules. A flavoring was then added to the tobacco granules. In this manner, the tobacco granules of this comparative example were produced. The tobacco granules had an average particle size (D50) of 498 μm and a nicotine content of 2.19% by mass.

[0094] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the filling amount of tobacco granules was changed to 290 mg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0095] [Example 4] (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Except for using leaf tobacco containing 65% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco as the tobacco raw material, tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. The tobacco granules had an average particle size (D50) of 480 μm and a nicotine content of 2.95% by mass.

[0096] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0097] [Example 5] Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 4. Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the filling amount of the tobacco granules was changed to 290 mg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0098] [Example 6] Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 4. Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the filling amount of the tobacco granules was changed to 310 mg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0099] Comparative Example 3 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that leaf tobacco containing 65% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco was used as the tobacco raw material. The tobacco granules had an average particle size (D50) of 750 μm and a nicotine content of 2.79% by mass.

[0100] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0101] Comparative Example 4 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2, except that leaf tobacco containing 65% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco was used as the tobacco raw material. The average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules was 490 μm.

[0102] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0103] Example 7 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 100% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco was prepared as the tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 63% by mass of the tobacco raw material, 5% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 25% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the tobacco composition was used. The tobacco granules had an average particle size (D50) of 488 μm and a nicotine content of 3.91% by mass.

[0104] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0105] [Example 8] Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 7. Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 7, except that the filling amount of the tobacco granules was changed to 290 mg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0106] [Example 9] Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 7. Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 7, except that the filling amount of the tobacco granules was changed to 310 mg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0107] Comparative Example 5 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 100% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco was prepared as the tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 60% by mass of the tobacco raw material, 5% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 28% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that the tobacco composition was used. The tobacco granules had an average particle size (D50) of 750 μm and a nicotine content of 3.57% by mass.

[0108] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0109] Comparative Example 6 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 100% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco was prepared as the tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 52% by mass of the tobacco raw material, 4% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 37.5% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2, except that the tobacco composition was used. The average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules was 495 μm, and the nicotine content was 3.19% by mass.

[0110] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0111] Example 10 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 100% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco was prepared as the tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 63% by mass of the tobacco raw material, 5% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 25% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the tobacco composition was used. The tobacco granules had an average particle size (D50) of 473 μm and a nicotine content of 3.81% by mass.

[0112] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0113] [Example 11] Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 10. Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 10, except that the filling amount of the tobacco granules was changed to 290 mg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0114] [Example 12] Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 10. Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Example 10, except that the filling amount of the tobacco granules was changed to 310 mg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0115] Comparative Example 7 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 100% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco was prepared as the tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 60% by mass of the tobacco raw material, 5% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 28% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that the tobacco composition was used. The tobacco granules had an average particle size (D50) of 750 μm and a nicotine content of 3.72% by mass.

[0116] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0117] Comparative Example 8 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 100% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco was prepared as the tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 52% by mass of the tobacco raw material, 4% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 37.5% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Tobacco granules were prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2, except that the tobacco composition was used. The average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules was 480 μm, and the nicotine content was 3.17% by mass.

[0118] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) Evaluation of the tobacco granules was carried out in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0119]

[0120] As shown in Table 1, when the tobacco granules of Examples 1 to 12, which correspond to the tobacco granules of this embodiment, were compared with the tobacco granules of Comparative Examples 1 to 8, which have the same burley content, it was found that the tobacco granules of Examples 1 to 12 contained a higher amount of nicotine in the smoke, even when the filling amount of the tobacco granules was reduced.

[0121] Reference Example 1 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 65% by mass of Burley tobacco was prepared as a tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 65% by mass of the tobacco raw material with 5% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 22% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Tobacco granules were prepared using this tobacco composition in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no flavoring was added. The average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules was 432 μm.

[0122] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) The tobacco granules were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the second cartridge 30 filled with tobacco granules was heated to 60°C and the number of puffs was changed to 30. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0123] Reference Example 2 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 65% by mass of Burley tobacco was prepared as a tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 65% by mass of the tobacco raw material with 5% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 22% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Tobacco granules were prepared using this tobacco composition in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no flavoring was added. The average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules was 523 μm.

[0124] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) The tobacco granules were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the second cartridge 30 filled with tobacco granules was heated to 60°C and the number of puffs was changed to 30. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0125] Reference Example 3 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 100% by mass of Burley tobacco was prepared as the tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 63% by mass of the tobacco raw material, 5% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 25% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate (the remainder) as a pH adjuster in a kneader. Tobacco granules were prepared using this tobacco composition in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no flavoring was added. The average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules was 499 μm.

[0126] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) The tobacco granules were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the second cartridge 30 filled with tobacco granules was heated to 60°C and the number of puffs was changed to 30. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0127] Reference Example 4 (Preparation of Tobacco Granules) Leaf tobacco containing 100% by mass of Burley tobacco was prepared as the tobacco raw material. A tobacco composition was prepared by mixing 63% by mass of the tobacco raw material, 5% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, 25% by mass of water, and potassium carbonate as a pH adjuster (the remainder) in a kneader. Tobacco granules were prepared using this tobacco composition in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no flavoring was added. The average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules was 559 μm.

[0128] (Evaluation of Tobacco Granules) The tobacco granules were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the second cartridge 30 filled with tobacco granules was heated to 60°C and the number of puffs was changed to 30. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0129]

[0130] As shown in Table 2, when the moisture content of the tobacco composition is the same, the smaller the average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules, the greater the amount of nicotine contained in the smoke.

[0131] The present embodiment includes the following aspects.

[0132] [1] Tobacco granules comprising a tobacco raw material and a binder, the tobacco granules having an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less and a nicotine content of 3.8% by mass or more.

[0133] [2] Tobacco granules comprising a tobacco raw material containing 40 to 60% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco and a binder, the tobacco granules having an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less and a nicotine content of 2.6% by mass or more.

[0134] [3] Tobacco granules comprising a tobacco raw material containing 60 to 80% by mass of Burley leaf tobacco and a binder, the tobacco granules having an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less and a nicotine content of 2.9% by mass or more.

[0135] [4] Tobacco granules according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the binder is at least one binder selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, and xanthan gum.

[0136] [5] The tobacco granules according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a flavoring agent.

[0137] [6] A tobacco stick or tobacco refill comprising the tobacco granules according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0138] [7] A non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler containing the tobacco granules according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0139] [8] A method for producing tobacco granules, comprising: a step of preparing a tobacco composition containing a tobacco raw material, a binder, and water; a step of extruding the tobacco composition through extrusion holes having a diameter of 1.0 to 1.8 mm to obtain a molded product; a step of sizing the molded product by passing it through a sieve having a mesh size of 1.0 to 2.5 mm while pulverizing it with a first rotating blade to obtain a sieved product; a step of drying the sieved product; and a step of pulverizing the dried sieved product by passing it through an upper sieve having a mesh size of 0.657 to 0.84 mm while pulverizing it with a second rotating blade, and further removing fine particles using a lower sieve to obtain tobacco granules.

[0140] [9] The method according to [8], wherein the average particle size (D50) of the tobacco granules is 600 μm or less.

[0141]

[10] The method according to [8] or [9], wherein the nicotine content of the tobacco granules is 3.8% by mass or more.

[0142]

[11] The method according to any one of [8] to

[10] , wherein the moisture content of the tobacco composition is 22 to 27% by mass.

[0143]

[12] The method according to any one of [8] to

[11] , wherein the rotation speed of the first rotating blade is 3800 to 4600 rpm.

[0144]

[13] The method according to any one of [8] to

[12] , wherein the rotation speed of the second rotary blade is 3000 to 3600 rpm.

[0145]

[14] The method according to any one of [8] to

[13] , wherein the drying temperature in the step of drying the sized product is 57 to 84°C.

[0146]

[15] The method according to any one of [8] to

[14] , wherein the mesh diameter of the lower sieve is 0.263 to 0.312 mm.

[0147]

[16] The method according to any one of [8] to

[15] , further comprising the step of adding a flavoring agent.

[0148] 10 Power supply unit 20 First cartridge 30 Second cartridge 100 Non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler

Claims

1. A tobacco granule comprising a tobacco raw material and a binder, the tobacco granule having an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less and a nicotine content of 3.8% by mass or more.

2. Tobacco granules comprising a tobacco raw material containing 40 to 60 mass% Burley tobacco leaf and a binder, the tobacco granules having an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less and a nicotine content of 2.6 mass% or more.

3. A tobacco granule comprising a tobacco raw material containing 60 to 80 mass% Burley tobacco leaf and a binder, the tobacco granule having an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less and a nicotine content of 2.9 mass% or more.

4. Tobacco granules according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the binder is at least one binder selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, and xanthan gum.

5. A tobacco granule according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a flavouring.

6. A tobacco stick or tobacco refill comprising the tobacco granules according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler comprising the tobacco granules according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A method for producing tobacco granules, comprising the steps of: preparing a tobacco composition containing a tobacco raw material, a binder, and water; extruding the tobacco composition through an extrusion hole having a diameter of 1.0 to 1.8 mm to obtain a molded product; pulverizing the molded product with a first rotating blade while passing it through a sieve having a mesh size of 1.0 to 2.5 mm to obtain a sized product; drying the sized product; and pulverizing the dried sized product with a second rotating blade while passing it through an upper sieve having a mesh size of 0.657 to 0.84 mm, and further removing fine particles using a lower sieve to obtain tobacco granules.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the tobacco granules have an average particle size (D50) of 600 μm or less.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the nicotine content of the tobacco granules is 3.8% by weight or more.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the moisture content of the tobacco composition is 22 to 27% by mass.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the rotational speed of the first rotor is 3800 to 4600 rpm.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the rotational speed of the second rotor is 3000 to 3600 rpm.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the drying temperature in the step of drying the sized product is 57 to 84°C.

15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the mesh size of the lower sieve is 0.263 to 0.312 mm.

16. The method of any one of claims 8 to 15, further comprising the step of adding a flavouring.

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