Flavour sheet having improved surface roughness, smoking article comprising the same and method of making the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a flavor sheet having improved surface roughness, a smoking article comprising the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. The method of manufacturing the flavor sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can include the steps of preparing a sheet composition by mixing a hydrocolloid substance, a solvent, a powdered substance, and a flavor; and drying the prepared sheet composition. The powdered substance can improve the surface roughness of the flavor sheet, ultimately improving the mixability with a cut tobacco substance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to flavoring tablets with improved surface roughness, smoking articles including the same, and methods for preparing the same. More specifically, this disclosure relates to flavoring tablets with improved surface roughness to enhance blendability with tobacco-like substances, smoking articles having improved aroma expression and aroma persistence by including the flavoring tablets, and methods for preparing the same. Background Technology

[0002] To cater to smokers' preferences, tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes) are flavored in various ways. Representative examples of flavoring methods include directly adding (e.g., spraying) flavoring liquid to smoking materials such as tobacco or filter inserts. However, the illustrated methods have various problems, such as limited amounts of flavoring liquid added, failure to produce the desired aroma, or a sharp decline in aroma expression during smoking.

[0003] Specifically, in the method of adding flavoring liquid to smoking substances, it is difficult to add large quantities of flavoring liquid because the flavoring liquid may coagulate with the smoking substances. Furthermore, the high heating temperature (or combustion temperature) during smoking causes the flavoring liquid to deteriorate, potentially resulting in unexpected flavors. Secondly, the method of adding flavoring liquid to the filter insert allows for the addition of larger quantities compared to the above methods, but this method also has limitations on the amount that can be added.

[0004] On the other hand, regardless of the method used, the added flavoring liquid is quickly apparent in the early stages of smoking, leading to a decrease in flavor expressiveness in the later stages of smoking. If too much flavoring liquid is added, the wrapper surrounding the filter insert or smoking material may become soaked and contaminated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by some embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a fragrance tablet with improved surface roughness and a method for preparing the same.

[0007] Another technical problem to be solved by some embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a smoking product with improved aroma performance and aroma persistence, and a method for preparing the same.

[0008] The technical problem addressed in this disclosure is not limited to the technical problems described above. Other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0009] means for solving problems

[0010] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a method for preparing a fragrance tablet according to some embodiments of this disclosure may include the following steps: preparing a tablet composition by mixing a hydrocolloid substance, a solvent, a powdered substance, and a fragrance; and drying the prepared tablet composition.

[0011] In some embodiments, the hydrocolloid may include a modified cellulose material.

[0012] In some embodiments, the step of drying the sheet composition may include the following steps: coating the prepared sheet composition; and adding a powdered substance to the coated sheet composition and drying it.

[0013] In some embodiments, the powdered substance may be a substance that is poorly soluble or insoluble in the solvent.

[0014] In some embodiments, the powdered substance may be a compatibilizer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the powdered substance may be an emulsifier.

[0016] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the fragrance tablets according to some embodiments of this disclosure can be prepared by the following steps: preparing a sheet composition by mixing a hydrocolloid substance, a solvent, a powdered substance, and a fragrance; and drying the prepared sheet composition.

[0017] To address the aforementioned technical problems, smoking articles according to some embodiments of this disclosure may include a smoking material portion comprising slices of flavoring tablets and a mixture of shredded tobacco material. In this case, the flavoring tablets can be prepared by a method comprising the following steps: preparing a sheet composition by mixing a hydrocolloidal substance, a solvent, a powdered substance, and a flavoring agent; and drying the prepared sheet composition.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above, flavored sheets with improved (increased) surface roughness can be prepared by incorporating powdered substances into the sheet composition or by adding powdered substances during the preparation process. Since these flavored sheets have a small actual contact area with other substances, agglomeration (e.g., sticking together) can be minimized when mixed with shredded tobacco substances. Furthermore, this allows for uniform mixing of shredded tobacco substances and flavored sheet slices, and also improves the workability of the mixing process.

[0020] Furthermore, smoking products can be provided that combine flavored flakes with sliced ​​and shredded tobacco substances. Smoking products as described above ensure uniform flavor expression and good flavor persistence.

[0021] Furthermore, the powdered substance can be a poorly soluble or insoluble substance. In this case, since the added powdered substance remains almost unchanged on the surface of the spice sheet, the surface roughness of the spice sheet can be further improved.

[0022] In addition, compatibilizers can be used as powdered substances. In this case, surface roughness can be improved, while the swelling and aroma retention of the flavoring tablets can be enhanced.

[0023] In addition, emulsifiers can be used as powdered substances. Emulsifiers act as cross-linkers between water-soluble hydrophilic colloidal substances and fat-soluble fragrances, thereby improving the roughness of fragrance flakes and enhancing aroma retention and aroma retention.

[0024] The effects of the technical concept of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart is provided to illustrate a method for preparing a flavoring tablet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for preparing spice tablets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram is provided to illustrate some embodiments of smoking articles according to this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of applying a spice tablet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for implementing them, will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described in detail below. However, the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are only intended to ensure that this disclosure is fully disclosed so that those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can fully understand the scope of this disclosure. The technical concept of this disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims.

[0030] When adding reference numerals to components in all the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals refer to the same components, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the process of describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions of the relevant prior art components or functions may be omitted if it is believed that such detailed descriptions would obscure the gist of this disclosure.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification are to be used in a manner that is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, commonly used terms that are defined in dictionaries will not be interpreted in an unusual or excessive manner without explicit specific definition. The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In this specification, unless otherwise stated, singular nouns also include plural forms.

[0032] Furthermore, in describing the components of this disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are used only to distinguish a component from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the related components is not limited by these terms. It should be understood that if a component is described as "connected," "combined," or "linked" to another component, it may mean that the component is not only directly "connected," "combined," or "linked" to another component, but also indirectly "connected," "combined," or "linked" to another component via a third component.

[0033] The terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this disclosure specify the presence of the described components, steps, actions and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions and / or elements.

[0034] First, some terms used in the various embodiments of this disclosure will be explained.

[0035] In the following embodiments, "smoking article" can refer to any smokeable article or any article that provides a smoking experience, regardless of whether it is based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. For example, smoking articles can include smokeable articles such as cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos. As another example, smoking articles can include combustible smoking articles and heated smoking articles.

[0036] In the following embodiments, "smoking material" can refer to a substance that produces smoke and / or aerosol or is used for smoking. For example, smoking material can include tobacco material. For example, tobacco material can include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, or substances processed therefrom. As a more specific example, tobacco material can include pulverized tobacco leaves, pulverized reconstituted tobacco, expanded tobacco, expanded stems, and reconstituted tobacco. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0037] In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" can refer to a direction away from the smoker's mouth, while "downstream" or "downstream direction" can refer to a direction closer to the smoker's mouth. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" can be used to describe the relative positions of elements constituting a smoking article. For example, in... Figure 3 In the illustrated smoking product 100, the filter section 120 is located downstream of or in the downstream direction of the smoking substance section 110, while the smoking substance section 110 is located upstream of or in the upstream direction of the filter section 120.

[0038] In the following embodiments, "longitudinal direction" may refer to the direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the smoking product.

[0039] In the following embodiments, "puff" refers to the inhalation of a user (smoker), which means the state of inhaling into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0040] In the following embodiments, "sheet" or "sheet material" can refer to a thin-layer element whose width and length are significantly greater than its thickness. In this art, the term "sheet" or "sheet material" can be used interchangeably with terms such as web and film.

[0041] In the following embodiments, "flavor sheet" can refer to flavored material made into sheet form.

[0042] In the following embodiments, "powder" may include particles, powder, beads, granules, powder, etc.

[0043] Various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0044] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, flavoring tablets with improved surface roughness can be provided. Specifically, flavoring tablets with improved surface roughness can be prepared by adding powdered substances during the preparation process. Because these flavoring tablets have a small actual contact area with other substances, they can be uniformly mixed with shredded tobacco substances (e.g., shredded tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco leaves) during the preparation of smoking articles. For example, to further illustrate, when mixing slices of flavoring tablets and shredded tobacco leaves, clumping may occur due to the moisture contained in the flavoring tablets and shredded tobacco leaves. A wider surface area (or contact area) of the flavoring tablets (or slices) can accelerate this clumping phenomenon. Since the actual contact area decreases when surface roughness is increased, this clumping phenomenon can be effectively prevented, thereby allowing the slices of flavoring tablets and shredded tobacco leaves to be uniformly mixed.

[0045] The spice slices described above will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for preparing flavoring tablets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this is merely a preferred embodiment for achieving the purposes of the present disclosure, and steps may certainly be added or removed as needed.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the preparation method according to this embodiment can begin from step S100, which involves mixing powdered substances to prepare a sheet composition. Specifically, a liquid phase (e.g., slurry) sheet composition can be prepared by mixing a hydrocolloid, a solvent such as distilled water and ethanol, a fragrance, and powdered substances. Here, the liquid phase can include not only a liquid state but also a state of mixture of liquid and solid (e.g., slurry).

[0048] Solvents such as distilled water and ethanol can be used to adjust the viscosity of slurry-sheet compositions.

[0049] Secondly, hydrocolloids can be used to cover and fix flavorings, and can also be sheet-forming agents used to form sheets. Because hydrocolloids are inherently viscous when in contact with solvents such as distilled water or ethanol, flavoring sheets based on such substances have the advantage of easily adhering to smoking products without the need for separate adhesives. For example, when setting flavoring sheets on the packaging paper of smoking products, using a hydrocolloid as a sheet-forming agent simplifies the setting process and avoids safety issues caused by adhesives.

[0050] Examples of hydrocolloids may include, but are not limited to, gelatin, agar, gellan gum, pectin, guar gum, xanthan gum, glucomannan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and starches.

[0051] In some embodiments, the sheet composition may include modified cellulose substances from various hydrocolloidal materials. Here, "modified cellulose" refers to cellulose in which specific functional groups in the molecular structure are substituted. Examples of modified cellulose may include, but are not limited to, HPMC, MC, CMC, and EC. For example, HPMC can have grades ranging from about 4 to 40,000, depending on the ratio of hydroxypropyl and methyl (or methoxy) substitutions and the molecular weight. The viscosity of the modified cellulose can be determined based on the grade. More specifically, the physicochemical properties of HPMC are related to the ratio of methoxy groups, the ratio of hydroxypropyl groups, and the molecular weight. According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), HPMCs are classified into HPMC1828, HPMC2208, HPMC2906, and HPMC2910, etc., based on the ratio of methoxy to hydroxypropyl groups. Here, the first two numbers may represent the methoxy group ratio, and the last two numbers may represent the hydroxypropyl group ratio. The inventors have conducted continuous experiments and confirmed that the flavoring sheets prepared from the sheet composition containing modified cellulose exhibit excellent sheet physical properties and flavor retention.

[0052] Secondly, examples of spices may include menthol, nicotine, nicotine salts, tobacco extracts, nicotine-containing tobacco extracts, natural plant flavorings (e.g., cinnamon, sage, vanilla, chamomile, kudzu, sweet tea, cloves, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, lemon, orange, cinnamon, coriander, jasmine, ginger, coriander, vanilla essence, spearmint, peppermint, cassia seed, coffee, celery, acerola, sandalwood, cocoa, ylang-ylang, fennel, anise, licorice, carob, plum extract, peach extract, etc.), and sugars (e.g. The fragrances include, but are not limited to, the following: glucose, fructose, isomers, caramel, etc.; cocoa products (powder, extracts, etc.); esters (e.g., isoamyl acetate, linaloyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, linaloyl butyrate, etc.); ketones (e.g., menthone, ionone, damascene, ethyl maltol, etc.); alcohols (e.g., geraniol, linalool, anethole, eugenol, etc.); aldehydes (e.g., vanillin, benzaldehyde, anisaldehyde, etc.); lactones (e.g., γ-undecyl lactone, γ-nonyl lactone, etc.); animal flavorings (e.g., musk, ambergris, civet cat, castoreum, etc.); and hydrocarbons (e.g., limonene, pinene, etc.). The fragrances can be used in solid form or dissolved or dispersed in suitable solvents such as propylene glycol, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, or triethyl citrate. These fragrances can be used alone or in combination. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples.

[0053] Secondly, the powdered substance can be a substance that exists in powder form at room temperature. The powdered substance can increase the surface roughness of the spice flakes. For example, the powdered substance may remain on the surface of the spice flakes after drying, thereby increasing the surface roughness. However, the type of powdered substance can be diverse and may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0054] In some embodiments, the powdered substance may be a building agent. In other words, the powdered substance may be a building agent that exists in powder form at room temperature. Examples of such building agents include, but are not limited to, α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin. For reference, since β-cyclodextrin has the lowest solubility in distilled water among cyclodextrin substances, it may be more effective in increasing the surface roughness of the fragrance tablets. According to this embodiment, by using a powdered building agent, the surface roughness of the fragrance tablets can be increased, and aroma retention can also be improved.

[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the powdered substance may be an emulsifier. In other words, the powdered substance may be an emulsifier that exists in powder form at room temperature. Examples of such emulsifiers may include, but are not limited to, sucrose esters. According to this embodiment, by using a powdered emulsifier, the surface roughness of the fragrance tablets can be increased, and the aroma retention can also be improved. For example, when the fragrance is fat-soluble, the emulsifier acts as a crosslinking agent between the water-soluble hydrocolloid and the fat-soluble fragrance, thus significantly improving the aroma retention of the fragrance tablets.

[0056] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the powdered substance may be a poorly soluble or insoluble substance. For example, the powdered substance may be a substance that is poorly soluble or insoluble in distilled water. In this case, the amount of powdered substance remaining on the surface of the spice sheet after drying is significantly increased, thus further improving the surface roughness of the spice sheet.

[0057] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the powdered substance may be a substance with a solubility of less than 100 mg / L at 25°C. For example, the powdered substance may be a substance with a solubility of less than 100 mg / L in distilled water at 25°C. Examples of such substances may include, but are not limited to, sucrose esters. According to this embodiment, the amount of powdered substance remaining on the surface of the spice sheet after drying is significantly increased, thus further improving the surface roughness of the spice sheet.

[0058] In addition, the powdered substance may be, for example, methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), cellulose acetate, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), methylethylcellulose (MEC), but is not limited to these.

[0059] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the sheet composition may also include LM-pectin (low methoxylpectin). Alternatively, the sheet composition may include LM-pectin from a hydrocolloid as a sheet-forming agent. LM-pectin is a low-ester pectin or low-methoxylpectin with a low degree of esterification; specifically, it may refer to pectin with a carboxyl group content of less than about 50% in its molecular structure. Unlike carrageenan, LM-pectin has the property of not gelling upon cooling, thus reducing the viscosity of the slurry-like sheet composition (e.g., from about 600 cp to about 800 cp), thereby improving the workability of the preparation process.

[0060] LM-pectin may contain less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, or less than about 10% of carboxyl groups in its molecular structure. The lower the carboxyl group content in the LM-pectin molecular structure, the lower the viscosity of the slurry (i.e., sheet composition) containing LM-pectin.

[0061] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sheet composition may also contain an emulsifier. Emulsifiers can increase the aroma retention and aroma retention of the fragrance sheet by thoroughly mixing highly fat-soluble fragrances and water-soluble hydrocolloidal substances. Examples of emulsifiers include MONTANOX. TM Natural emulsifiers such as olive emulsifying wax, lecithin, glyceryl stearate, stearic acid and lecithin, as well as synthetic emulsifiers such as monoglycerides, diglycerides, sorbitol, fatty acid esters and sucrose esters, but not limited to these.

[0062] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sheet composition may also include a compatibilizer. The compatibilizer may be a substance that increases the total mass (i.e., dry mass) of the components other than distilled water to increase the volume of the prepared flavor sheet, but it may not affect the original function of the flavor sheet. Specifically, the compatibilizer may have the characteristic of increasing the volume of the flavor sheet without substantially increasing the viscosity of the slurry, and without adversely affecting the flavor retention function of the flavor sheet. Preferably, the compatibilizer may be a starch, modified starch, or starch hydrolysate. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0063] Modified starch refers to starches such as acetic acid starch, oxidized starch, hydroxypropyl distarch, hydroxypropyl starch, distarch phosphate, monosaccharide, and phosphorylated distarch phosphate.

[0064] Starch hydrolysates are substances obtained through processes that include the hydrolysis of starch. For example, starch hydrolysates may include substances obtained by direct hydrolysis of starch (i.e., dextrin) or substances obtained by hydrolyzing starch after heat treatment (i.e., recalcitrant dextrin). For example, compatibilizers may be dextrin, and more specifically, cyclodextrin.

[0065] Typically, the starch hydrolysate can be a starch hydrolysate having a DE value in the range of about 2 to about 40, preferably a starch hydrolysate having a DE value in the range of about 2 to about 20. Examples of starch hydrolysates having a DE value in the range of about 2 to about 20 include Pinedex#100 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Japan), Pinefiber (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Japan), and TK-16 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Japan).

[0066] Here, "DE" is an abbreviation for dextrose equivalent, and the DE value represents the degree of starch hydrolysis, i.e., the saccharification rate of starch. In this disclosure, the DE value can be a value determined by the Willstatter-Schudel method. The characteristics of hydrolyzed starch (starch hydrolysate), such as the molecular weight of the starch hydrolysate or the arrangement of the sugar molecules constituting the starch hydrolysate, are not constant for each molecule of the starch hydrolysate, but exist in the form of a certain distribution or variation. Depending on the distribution or variation of the characteristics of the starch hydrolysate or the differences in the cut intervals, each molecule of the starch hydrolysate may exhibit different physical properties (e.g., DE value). As mentioned above, starch hydrolysate is a collection of molecules exhibiting different physical properties, but the result of the Willstatter-Schudel method (i.e., the DE value) is considered a representative value representing the degree of starch hydrolysis.

[0067] Preferably, the starch hydrolysate can be selected from the group consisting of dextrin having a DE value of about 2 to about 5, non-digestible dextrin having a DE value of about 10 to about 15, and mixtures thereof. For example, Pinedex#100 (Matsuya Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Japan) can be used as a dextrin having a DE value of about 2 to about 5. For example, Pinefiber (Matsuya Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Japan) can be used as a non-digestible dextrin having a DE value of about 10 to about 15.

[0068] In addition, in some embodiments, the sheet composition may also contain a plasticizer. The plasticizer can improve the physical properties of the flavoring sheet by adding appropriate flexibility. For example, the plasticizer may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerol and propylene glycol. For reference, an example plasticizer can further improve the physical properties of the flavoring sheet by increasing its moisture content. For example, the example plasticizer can increase the water content to minimize breakage of the flavoring sheet during cutting, thus significantly improving the workability of the cutting process. However, with increasing moisture content, the workability of the process of mixing the sliced ​​flavoring sheet with tobacco-like substances may deteriorate (e.g., the workability of the mixing process may deteriorate due to accelerated clumping caused by increased moisture content), a problem that can be addressed by improving the surface roughness of the flavoring sheet.

[0069] In step S200, a fragrance tablet can be prepared by coating and drying the prepared sheet composition. For example, the fragrance tablet can be prepared by coating (e.g., casting) the sheet composition onto a predetermined substrate and drying it.

[0070] In some embodiments, the addition of a powdered substance may be performed during or before drying the coated sheet composition. In this case, the added powdered substance may be the same as or different from the powdered substance contained in the sheet composition. Furthermore, depending on the circumstances, the powdered substance may not be mixed into the sheet composition, but may be added only during the drying process. Hereinafter, for easier understanding, reference will be made to… Figure 2 Additional descriptions are provided for this embodiment.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the sheet composition 2 can be coated using the coater 1. Furthermore, during the drying process of the coated sheet composition 2 (refer to the dotted square), powdered material 4 can also be sprayed (added) onto the sheet composition 2 using the sprayer 3. In this case, since drying is performed with the powdered material 4 distributed on the surface of the sheet composition 2, most of the powdered material 4 remains uniformly on the surface of the fragrance sheet 10 after drying. Furthermore, the surface roughness of the fragrance sheet 10 can be greatly improved accordingly.

[0072] Meanwhile, the flavoring tablets prepared as described above can have various composition ratios (content ratios). However, the specific composition ratio can vary depending on the mixing ratio of the tablet composition and drying conditions, etc.

[0073] In some embodiments, the emulsifier content may be from about 0.5 parts by weight to 10 parts by weight based on the total weight of 100 parts by weight of flavoring tablets. Within the above range, an increase in flavor retention and retention has been confirmed. For example, it has been confirmed that when the emulsifier content is too low, the increase in flavor retention is minimal, and when the emulsifier content is too high, the content of the tablet forming agent coating the flavoring or the flavoring itself decreases, thus the flavor retention does not increase significantly.

[0074] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on a total weight of 100 parts by weight, the flavor tablet may contain about 10 to 60 parts by weight or 10 to 40 parts by weight of flavoring, preferably about 20, 22, 24 or more parts by weight, or 26 or more parts by weight of flavoring. When an appropriate amount of emulsifier is added, compared with the case where no emulsifier is added, it has been confirmed that the retention of fat-soluble flavoring increases by about 10%, 15%, or 20% or more.

[0075] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on 100 parts by weight of total weight, the flavoring tablet may include about 2 to 15 parts by weight of water, about 25 to 90 parts by weight of modified cellulose, and about 0.1 to 60 parts by weight of flavoring. Additionally, the flavoring tablet may also include about 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of emulsifier.

[0076] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on a total weight of 100 parts by weight, the flavoring tablet may include about 2 to 15 parts by weight of water, about 1 to 60 parts by weight of a hydrocolloidal substance, about 1 to 60 parts by weight of LM-pectin, and about 0.1 to 60 parts by weight of flavoring. Additionally, the flavoring tablet may also include about 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of an emulsifier.

[0077] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on 100 parts by weight of total weight, the spice sheet may contain approximately 0.1 parts by weight to 30 parts by weight of plasticizer, preferably approximately 5 parts by weight to 30 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight to 25 parts by weight, or 5 parts by weight to 20 parts by weight of plasticizer. Within the above numerical range, a sheet with suitable flexibility can be formed. For example, if too little plasticizer is added, the sheet will have poor flexibility, and therefore the spice sheet will easily break during the cutting process; if too much plasticizer is added, the sheet may not be formed smoothly, or the sheet may be too soft.

[0078] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on 100 parts by weight of total weight, the spice flakes may contain approximately 5 to 30 parts by weight of moisture, preferably approximately 5 to 25 parts by weight, 5 to 20 parts by weight, or 5 to 15 parts by weight of moisture. Within these numerical ranges, sheets with excellent physical properties can be formed. For example, when the moisture content is too low, the spice flakes are easily broken during the cutting process; when the moisture content is too high, the sheets may not form smoothly, or the sheets may be too soft.

[0079] At this point, we have referred to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Flavored sheets and their preparation methods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are described. As described above, flavored sheets with improved (increased) surface roughness can be prepared by mixing powdered substances into the sheet composition or by adding powdered substances during the preparation process. Because these flavored sheets have a small actual contact area with other substances, they can be uniformly mixed with tobacco-like substances, and the workability of the mixing process can be improved.

[0080] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 3 The following figures describe in detail the smoking article 100, which has improved aroma performance and aroma persistence by including the aforementioned flavoring tablets.

[0081] Figure 3 A schematic diagram is provided to illustrate a smoking article 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, the smoking product 100 may include a filter section 120, a smoking material section 110, and a wrapping paper 130. However, Figure 3 Only components relevant to embodiments of this disclosure are shown. Therefore, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that other components may also be included. Figure 3 Other general-purpose components besides those shown. Furthermore, Figure 3 The examples of smoking articles according to various embodiments of this disclosure are shown only schematically, and the detailed structure of the smoking articles may vary. Figure 3 The differences are shown below. The components of the smoking article 100 will now be described.

[0083] The filter unit 120 can perform a filtering function for smoke and / or aerosols generated in the smoking material section 110. For this purpose, the filter unit 120 may include a filter material. Examples of filter materials may include cellulose acetate fibers, paper, etc., but the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The filter unit 120 may also include a wrapping paper 130 surrounding the filter material (filter insert).

[0084] As shown in the figure, the filter portion 120 can be located downstream of the smoking material portion 110 and can be connected to the downstream end of the smoking material portion 110. For example, the filter portion 120 and the smoking material portion 110 can have a cylindrical (rod) shape, be aligned in the longitudinal axis, and be connected by a tipping wrapper. The tipping wrapper can simultaneously wrap at least a portion of the filter portion 120 and at least a portion of the smoking material portion 110 to connect the filter portion 120 and the smoking material portion 110. When the filter portion 120 forms the downstream end of the smoking article 100, the filter portion 120 can also be used as a mouthpiece that contacts the smoker's mouth.

[0085] Since the filter section 120 is made into a rod shape, it can be referred to as "filter rod 120" depending on the situation, and can be made into various shapes including cylindrical, hollow tubular, concave, etc.

[0086] Secondly, the smoking substance portion 110 may include a smoking substance that can produce smoke and / or aerosols when burned or heated. The smoking substance portion 110 may also include a wrapping paper 130 surrounding the smoking substance.

[0087] As shown in the figure, the smoking material section 110 can be located upstream of the filter section 120 and can be connected to the upstream end of the filter section 120. The smoke and / or aerosol generated from the smoking material section 110 can be delivered to the smoker's mouth through the filter section 120 by inhalation.

[0088] Since the smoking material portion 110 is also made into a rod shape, it may be referred to as "smoking material rod 110" depending on the circumstances. Alternatively, the smoking material portion 110 may be referred to as "medium portion 110" depending on the circumstances.

[0089] For example, smoking substances may include tobacco substances. Tobacco substances may include tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, or substances processed therefrom. More specifically, tobacco substances may include pulverized tobacco leaves, pulverized reconstituted tobacco, expanded tobacco shreds, expanded stem shreds, and reconstituted tobacco leaves. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, tobacco substances may be in the form of shredded tobacco (e.g., shredded tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco leaves), flakes, powder, or tobacco extracts, but are not limited thereto.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the flavoring tablet 10 can be applied (set) to the smoking material portion 110. The flavoring tablet 10, when applied in this way, continuously releases its aroma during smoking, thereby increasing the aroma expressiveness and aroma persistence of the smoking product 100. In other words, unlike the case where flavoring is added in liquid form, the flavoring, fixed (coated) by a tablet forming agent, gradually and continuously manifests itself during smoking, thus effectively solving the problem that most of the aroma is expressed in the early stages of smoking. However, the specific application method of the flavoring tablet 10 can vary.

[0091] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the slices 11 of the flavoring sheet 10 can be added to the smoking material section 110 in a mixed form with the tobacco shreds 111. As described above, since the flavoring sheet 10, which improves surface roughness, has a substantially small contact area, it can be uniformly mixed with the tobacco shreds 111, thereby ensuring uniform flavor expression when smoking.

[0092] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the flavoring tablet 10 may be attached to a sheet of tobacco material (e.g., a reconstituted tobacco leaf, such as a reconstituted tobacco leaf), or it may be inserted into the smoking material section 110 after attachment in the form of being rolled up together with the tobacco material.

[0093] In addition, in some embodiments, multiple tobacco-like substances may be introduced into the smoking substance section 110 in the form of being surrounded by the flavoring sheet 10.

[0094] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the smoking material may also include additives such as humectants, flavoring agents, and / or organic acids. For example, humectants may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Humidifiers can maintain the moisture content of the tobacco material at an appropriate level, softening the inherent flavor and enriching the vaporization. Flavoring agents may include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, ISO sweetener, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, bitter orange bark, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon, anise, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, sage, spearmint, ginger, coriander, clove extract (or clove compounds), or coffee, etc.

[0095] Secondly, wrapping paper 130 can mean wrapping at least a portion of the smoking material portion 110 and / or the filter portion 120. Wrapping paper 130 can refer to a separate wrapping paper for the smoking material portion 110 or the filter portion 120, or it can refer to wrapping paper such as tipping paper that simultaneously wraps at least a portion of the smoking material portion 110 and the filter portion 120, or it can refer to the general term for all wrapping papers used in the smoking article 100. Wrapping paper 130 can be made of porous or non-porous wrapping paper, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, wrapping paper 130 can be formed from foil or a combination of wrapping paper and foil.

[0096] On the other hand, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the flavoring tablet 10 can be applied to the packaging paper 130. For example, the flavoring tablet 10 can be disposed (e.g., attached, coated) on the inside of the packaging paper 130 in a manner that wraps all or part of the smoking material portion 110. When at least a portion of the packaging paper 130 is made of metal foil, the flavoring tablet 10 can be disposed on the inside of the metal foil. In this case, the heat transferred by the metal foil can further enhance the aroma expression of the flavoring tablet 10. As another example, the flavoring tablet 10 can constitute at least a portion of the packaging paper 130. That is, the flavoring tablet 10 itself can be used as the packaging paper 130 of the smoking article 100. In this case, the packaging paper 130 can be composed only of the flavoring tablet 10, or it can be constructed as an integral part of the flavoring tablet 10 and the packaging paper. In this case, it is not necessary to perform the process of placing the flavoring tablet 10 on the packaging paper 130 (e.g., attachment process, coating process), thus further simplifying the manufacturing process of the smoking article 100.

[0097] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the fragrance sheet 10 may be disposed in a rolled or folded form within the hollow cooling section (not shown). For example, the fragrance sheet 10 may be disposed in a rolled or folded form within the hollow of the cooling section (not shown), or it may be disposed on the inner wall of the hollow cooling section (not shown). In this case, the fragrance sheet 10 may be a perforated sheet processed to form multiple holes. Since the perforated sheet has a large contact area with the airflow, the performance of the cooling section (not shown) can be further improved. For reference, the cooling section (not shown) may refer to the segment located between the smoking material section 110 and the filter section 120 that performs a cooling function for smoke and / or aerosols.

[0098] At this point, we have referred to Figure 3 and Figure 4 A smoking article 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described. As described above, by applying the flavoring tablet 10 to the smoking article 100, the flavor expression and flavor persistence of the smoking article 100 can be improved.

[0099] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be implemented without altering the technical concept or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the claims, and all interpretations of the technical spirit within the equivalent scope should fall within the scope of the technical concept defined by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a spice tablet, wherein, Includes the following steps: A sheet composition is prepared by mixing a hydrocolloid, a solvent, a powdered substance, and a fragrance; and The sheet composition prepared by drying, The solvent is distilled water. The powdered substance is a substance whose solubility in distilled water at 25°C is less than 100 mg / L. The powdered substance is an emulsifier. The hydrocolloidal substance includes modified cellulose material. The steps for preparing the sheet composition by drying include the following steps: The sheet composition prepared by coating; and Add a powdered substance to the coated sheet composition and dry it.

2. The method for preparing spice flakes according to claim 1, wherein, The modified cellulose material includes at least one substance selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and ethylcellulose.

3. The method for preparing spice flakes according to claim 1, wherein, The emulsifier includes sucrose esters.

4. The method for preparing spice flakes according to claim 1, wherein, The sheet composition also includes LM-pectin. The LM-pectin is a substance containing less than 50% carboxyl groups and having the property of not gelling upon cooling.

5. The method for preparing spice flakes according to claim 1, wherein, The sheet composition also includes a plasticizer. The plasticizer includes at least one of glycerol and propylene glycol.

6. A spice tablet, wherein, The spice tablets are prepared by the method for preparing spice tablets according to claim 1.

7. A smoking product, wherein, It includes a smoking material portion, which comprises a mixture of slices of spice sheet prepared by the method for preparing spice sheet according to claim 1 and tobacco shreds.

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