Tobacco sheet for non-combustion heating type flavor suction device, non-combustion heating type flavor suction device, and non-combustion heating type flavor suction system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heating type flavor suction device, which contains tobacco powder having a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of 200 μm or more in a particle size distribution on a volume basis as measured by a dry laser diffraction method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to tobacco sheets for non-combustion heated flavored inhalers, non-combustion heated flavored inhalers, and non-combustion heated flavored inhaler systems. Background Technology

[0002] In combustible flavored inhalers (cigarettes), flavor is obtained by burning tobacco filling containing tobacco leaves. As an alternative to this type of combustible flavored inhaler, a non-combustible heated flavored inhaler has been proposed, which obtains flavor by heating a flavor source such as tobacco leaves instead of burning it. The heating temperature of the non-combustible heated flavored inhaler is lower than the combustion temperature of the combustible flavored inhaler, for example, below approximately 400°C. Because of the lower heating temperature of the non-combustible heated flavored inhaler, from the viewpoint of increasing smoke volume, an aerosol generator can be added to the flavor source for the non-combustible heated flavored inhaler. The aerosol generator vaporizes upon heating, producing an aerosol. This aerosol is supplied to the user along with flavor components such as tobacco, allowing the user to obtain a sufficient amount of flavor.

[0003] Non-combustion heated flavored inhalers may include, for example, a tobacco-containing section filled with tobacco sheets, a cooling section, and a filter section. Due to its relationship with the heating element, the axial length of the tobacco-containing section in a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler is generally shorter than that of the tobacco-containing section in a combustion-type flavored inhaler. Therefore, in non-combustion heated flavored inhalers, a large amount of tobacco sheets is filled within the short tobacco-containing section to ensure the amount of aerosol generated during heating. To fill a large amount of tobacco sheets within a short section, non-combustion heated flavored inhalers typically use tobacco sheets with low bulk, i.e., high density. It should be noted that bulk refers to the volume value when a given mass of tobacco sheet filaments is compressed under pressure for a certain period of time. For example, patent documents 1 and 2 disclose tobacco sheets used in non-combustion heated flavored inhalers.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5969923

[0007] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2020 / 058814 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, the inventors have discovered that, considering the heating method, the heating capacity of the heater, and aerosol generation, using tobacco sheets with low bulk (high density) increases the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing section. Therefore, depending on the heating method and the capacity of the heater, the tobacco sheet filled in the tobacco-containing section sometimes cannot fully exert its aerosol generation effect. To solve this problem, reducing the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing section can be considered.

[0010] To reduce the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing segment, the inventors have explored (1) reducing the specific heat of the tobacco raw material contained in the tobacco sheet and (2) using a tobacco sheet with high bulk (low density). However, for (1), reducing the specific heat of the tobacco raw material itself is difficult, so it is considered effective to reduce the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing segment by means of (2). Therefore, it is desirable to develop a tobacco sheet with high bulk (low density) suitable for use in non-combustion heated flavored inhalers.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler tobacco sheet with high fluffiness, a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler containing the tobacco sheet, and a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler system.

[0012] Methods for solving problems

[0013] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0014] Method 1

[0015] A tobacco tablet for a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler comprises tobacco powder, wherein the cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the particle size distribution of the tobacco powder, as determined by dry laser diffraction, is 200 μm or more.

[0016] Method 2

[0017] According to the sheet described in Method 1, the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa of at least one side is 5 to 30 μm.

[0018] Method 3

[0019] The sheet described in method 1 or 2 is a pressure-formed sheet.

[0020] Method 4

[0021] The tablets according to any one of methods 1 to 3 contain a cellulose derivative with a degree of substitution of 0.65 or more.

[0022] Method 5

[0023] The sheet according to method 4, wherein the degree of substitution is 0.7 or higher.

[0024] Method 6

[0025] A non-combustion heated flavored inhaler includes a tobacco-containing section of a tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler, comprising any one of the embodiments 1 to 5.

[0026] Method 7

[0027] A non-combustion heated aroma extraction system, comprising:

[0028] The non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler described in Method 6, and

[0029] A heating device for heating the tobacco-containing section mentioned above.

[0030] The effects of the invention

[0031] According to the present invention, a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler with high fluffiness, a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler comprising the tobacco sheet, and a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler system can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler according to this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the non-combustion heated fragrance inhalation system of this embodiment. (a) shows the state before the non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler is inserted into the heating device, and (b) shows the state after the non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler is inserted into the heating device for heating.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing one way of depicting a tobacco section.

[0035] Symbol Explanation

[0036] 1. Non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler

[0037] 2. Tobacco-containing sections

[0038] 3 Cooling Section

[0039] 4. Central Hole Section

[0040] 5. Filter section

[0041] 6. Cigarette mouthpiece section

[0042] 7. Cylindrical components

[0043] 8. Perforation

[0044] 9 Second fill layer

[0045] 10 Second inner bar packaging material

[0046] 11 Outer Packaging Material

[0047] 12 Cigarette mouthpiece liner paper

[0048] 13 Heating device

[0049] 14. Fuselage

[0050] 15 Heaters

[0051] 16 Metal pipes

[0052] 17 battery cells

[0053] 18 Control Unit

[0054] 19 recess

[0055] 20A Tobacco-Containing Section

[0056] 21. Filler

[0057] 22 Packaging Materials

[0058] T tobacco tablets Detailed Implementation

[0059] [Tobacco sheets for non-combustible heated flavored inhalers]

[0060] The tobacco sheet (hereinafter also referred to as "tobacco sheet") for the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler of this embodiment contains tobacco powder, the cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of which is 200 μm or more in the particle size distribution on a volume basis as determined by dry laser diffraction.

[0061] In the tobacco sheet of this embodiment, the D90 of the tobacco powder, as measured by dry laser diffraction, is 200 μm or more. Therefore, the porosity between the tobacco powder particles in the tobacco sheet is large, which suggests that this porosity contributes to improving the fluffiness of the tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco sheet of this embodiment preferably further includes an aerosol generator and a forming agent; by adjusting their proportions within a given range, the fluffiness of the tobacco sheet is further improved.

[0062] (Tobacco powder)

[0063] Examples of tobacco powder included in the tobacco sheet of this embodiment include tobacco leaves, leaf veins, and stem residues. One or more of these can be used. They can be cut to a given size to be used as tobacco powder. Regarding the size of the tobacco powder, the cumulative 90% particle size (D90) in the volume-based particle size distribution determined by dry laser diffraction is 200 μm or more, preferably 350 μm or more, and more preferably 500 μm or more. The upper limit of this D90 range is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 2000 μm or less.

[0064] Furthermore, regarding the size of the tobacco powder, from the viewpoint of further improving the fluffiness of the tobacco sheet, the cumulative 50% particle size (D50) in the volume-based particle size distribution determined by dry laser diffraction is preferably 40 μm or more, more preferably 100 μm or more, and even more preferably 200 μm or more. The upper limit of this D50 range is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 1000 μm or less. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the determination of D90 and D50 based on dry laser diffraction can be performed using, for example, a Mastersizer (trade name, manufactured by Malvern Panalytical Division, Spectris Corporation).

[0065] The proportion of tobacco powder contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is preferably 45-95% by mass. By making the proportion of tobacco powder 45% by mass or more, sufficient tobacco aroma can be generated upon heating. Furthermore, by making the proportion of tobacco powder 95% by mass or less, sufficient amounts of aerosol generating agent and forming agent can be included. The proportion of tobacco powder is more preferably 50-93% by mass, even more preferably 55-90% by mass, and particularly preferably 60-88% by mass.

[0066] (Aerosol generator)

[0067] From the viewpoint of increasing smoke production upon heating, it is preferable that the tobacco sheet of this embodiment further includes an aerosol generating agent. Examples of aerosol generating agents include glycerol, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol. One of these can be used, or two or more can be used in combination.

[0068] When an aerosol-generating agent is included in a tobacco sheet, the proportion of the aerosol-generating agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is preferably 4 to 50% by mass. By making the proportion of the aerosol-generating agent 4% by mass or more, sufficient aerosol can be generated during heating, from a quantitative point of view. Furthermore, by making the proportion of the aerosol-generating agent 50% by mass or less, sufficient aerosol can be generated during heating, from a heat capacity point of view. The proportion of the aerosol-generating agent is more preferably 6 to 40% by mass, even more preferably 8 to 30% by mass, and particularly preferably 10 to 20% by mass.

[0069] (Forming agent)

[0070] From the viewpoint of ensuring shape, it is preferable that the tobacco sheet of this embodiment further includes a shaping agent. Examples of shaping agents include polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers. One of these can be used, or two or more can be used in combination. Examples of polysaccharides include cellulose derivatives and naturally derived polysaccharides.

[0071] Examples of cellulose derivatives include: cellulose ethers such as methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, benzylcellulose, triphenylmethylcellulose, cyanoethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxyethylcellulose, and aminoethylcellulose; organic acid esters such as cellulose acetate, cellulose formate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose benzoate, cellulose phthalate, and toluenesulfonylcellulose; and inorganic acid esters such as cellulose nitrate, cellulose sulfate, cellulose phosphate, and cellulose xanthate.

[0072] Examples of naturally occurring polysaccharides include: guar gum, tara gum, locust bean gum, tamarind gum, pectin, gum arabic, tragacanth gum, ebony gum, ghatti gum, arabinogalactan, linseed gum, cassia gum, plantain seed gum, and Artemisia argyi seed gum, all derived from plants; carrageenan, agar, alginic acid, propylene glycol alginate, red algae gum, and Cysticercus extract, all derived from algae; xanthan gum, gellan gum, guar gum, pullulan, Agrobacterium succinoglycan, Brunei gum, macropoxanthosis gum, and rhamsan gum, all derived from microorganisms; chitin, chitosan, and glucosamine, all derived from crustaceans; and starch, sodium starch glycolate, α-starch, and dextrin, among others.

[0073] Examples of proteins include cereal proteins such as wheat gluten and rye gluten. Examples of synthetic polymers include polyphosphate, sodium polyacrylate, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0074] When a forming agent is included in the tobacco sheet, the proportion of the forming agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is preferably 0.1% to 15% by mass. By making the proportion of the forming agent 0.1% by mass or more, the mixture of raw materials can be formed into a sheet shape. Furthermore, by making the proportion of the forming agent 15% by mass or less, other raw materials required to ensure the function of the tobacco-containing segment of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler can be fully utilized. The proportion of the forming agent is more preferably 0.2% to 13% by mass, more preferably 0.5% to 12% by mass, and particularly preferably 1% to 10% by mass.

[0075] (Reinforcing agent)

[0076] From the viewpoint of further improving physical properties, the tobacco sheet of this embodiment may further include a reinforcing agent. Examples of reinforcing agents include fibrous substances such as fibrous pulp, insoluble fiber, and fibrous synthetic cellulose, as well as liquid substances with surface coating functions such as pectin suspension that form a film when dried. One of these can be used, or two or more can be used in combination.

[0077] When the tobacco sheet contains a reinforcing agent, the proportion of the reinforcing agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is preferably 4 to 60% by mass. Within this range, other raw materials required to ensure the function of the tobacco-containing section of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler can be fully utilized. The proportion of the above-mentioned reinforcing agent is more preferably 4.5 to 55% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 50% by mass.

[0078] (Moisturizer)

[0079] From the viewpoint of maintaining quality, the tobacco sheet of this embodiment may further include a humectant. Examples of humectants include, for instance, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, mannitol, and reduced maltose syrup. One of these may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0080] When the tobacco sheet contains a humectant, the proportion of the humectant contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is preferably 1 to 15% by mass. Within this range, other raw materials required to ensure the function of the tobacco-containing section of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler can be fully utilized. The proportion of the humectant is more preferably 2 to 12% by mass, and even more preferably 3 to 10% by mass.

[0081] (Other ingredients)

[0082] In addition to the tobacco powder, aerosol generator, forming agent, reinforcing agent, and humectant mentioned above, the tobacco sheet of this embodiment may also contain flavorings such as fragrances and flavoring agents, coloring agents, humectants, preservatives, and diluents such as inorganic substances, as needed.

[0083] (fluffy texture)

[0084] The fluffiness of the tobacco sheet in this embodiment is preferably 190cc / 100g or more. By achieving a fluffiness of 190cc / 100g or more, the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing section of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler can be sufficiently reduced, and the tobacco sheet filling the tobacco-containing section can more effectively promote aerosol generation. More preferably, the fluffiness is 210cc / 100g or more, and even more preferably 230cc / 100g or more. The upper limit of this fluffiness range is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 800cc / 100g or less. It should be noted that this fluffiness is measured using a DD-60A (trade name, manufactured by Borgward) after the tobacco sheet is cut to a size of 0.8mm × 9.5mm and stored in an indoor environment adjusted to 22°C and 60% humidity for 48 hours. The measurement is performed by placing 15g of the cut tobacco sheet into a cylindrical container with an inner diameter of 60mm and calculating the volume when compressed with a 3kg load for 30 seconds.

[0085] (Composition of a tobacco sheet)

[0086] In this embodiment, the "tobacco sheet" is formed by molding tobacco powder and other components into a sheet shape. Here, "sheet" refers to a shape having a pair of substantially parallel main surfaces and side surfaces. The length and width of the tobacco sheet are not particularly limited and can be appropriately adjusted depending on the filling method. The thickness of the tobacco sheet is not particularly limited, but from the perspective of balancing heat transfer efficiency and strength, it is preferably 100 to 1000 μm, more preferably 150 to 600 μm.

[0087] (Manufacturing method of tobacco sheets)

[0088] The tobacco sheet of this embodiment can be manufactured by known methods such as calendering or casting. Details of various tobacco sheets manufactured by such methods are disclosed in "Tobacco Dictionary, Tobacco Research Center, 2009.3.31".

[0089] <calendering method>

[0090] As a method for manufacturing tobacco sheets by calendering, examples include methods that include the following steps.

[0091] (1) A process of mixing water, tobacco powder, aerosol generator, molding agent and reinforcing agent to obtain a mixture.

[0092] (2) The process of feeding the mixture into the calendering rolls for calendering.

[0093] (3) The process of drying the calendered product using a dryer.

[0094] When manufacturing tobacco sheets using this method, the surface of the calender rolls can be heated or cooled depending on the purpose, and the rotational speed of the calender rolls can also be adjusted. Additionally, the spacing between the calender rolls can be adjusted. To obtain the desired tobacco sheet weight per unit area, more than one calender roll can be used.

[0095] <Drape Method>

[0096] As a method for manufacturing tobacco sheets by casting, examples include methods that include the following steps.

[0097] (1) A process of mixing water, tobacco powder, aerosol generator, molding agent and pulp to obtain a mixture.

[0098] (2) The process of thinly spreading (casting) the mixture, drying it, and making tobacco sheets.

[0099] When manufacturing tobacco sheets using this method, a step can be added to remove some components such as nitrosamines by subjecting a pulp mixture made of water, tobacco powder, aerosol generator, molding agent, and pulp to ultraviolet or X-ray irradiation.

[0100] [Non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler]

[0101] The non-combustion heated flavored inhaler of this embodiment includes a tobacco-containing section containing the tobacco sheet or the like of this embodiment. Because the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler of this embodiment includes a tobacco-containing section filled with a highly fluffy tobacco sheet or the like of this embodiment, the total heat capacity of the tobacco-containing section can be significantly reduced, and the tobacco sheet filled in the tobacco-containing section is more conducive to aerosol generation.

[0102] An example of a non-combustion heated aroma inhaler according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 1 . Figure 1 The non-combustion heated flavored inhaler 1 shown includes: a tobacco-containing section 2 filled with tobacco sheets or the like of this embodiment; a cylindrical cooling section 3 with perforations 8 on its circumference; a central hole section 4; and a filter section 5. In addition to the tobacco-containing section, cooling section, central hole section, and filter section, the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler of this embodiment may also have other sections.

[0103] The axial length of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler of this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40 mm or more and 90 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or more and 75 mm or less, and even more preferably 50 mm or more and 60 mm or less. Furthermore, the circumferential length of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler is preferably 16 mm or more and 25 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or more and 24 mm or less, and even more preferably 21 mm or more and 23 mm or less. Examples include a tobacco section length of 20 mm, a cooling section length of 20 mm, a center hole section length of 8 mm, and a filter section length of 7 mm. It should be noted that the length of the filter section can be selected within the range of 4 mm or more and 10 mm or less. Additionally, the airflow resistance of the filter section can be selected such that the average resistance per section is 15 mmH2O / seg or more and 60 mmH2O / seg or less. These section lengths can be appropriately varied depending on manufacturing adaptability, required quality, etc. Furthermore, even without using the central hole section, and only arranging the filter section downstream of the cooling section, it can function as a non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler.

[0104] (Including tobacco sections)

[0105] The tobacco-containing section 2 contains tobacco sheets or the like as described in this embodiment within a roll of paper (hereinafter also referred to as packaging material). The method of filling the tobacco sheets or the like into the roll of paper (hereinafter also referred to as packaging material) is not particularly limited; for example, the tobacco sheets or the like can be wrapped in the packaging material, or the tobacco sheets or the like can be filled into a cylindrical packaging material. When the tobacco sheets have a length direction, such as a rectangular shape, the tobacco sheets or the like can be filled in an unspecified direction within the packaging material along that length direction, or they can be arranged in a direction that is axial to the tobacco-containing section 2 or perpendicular to that axial direction.

[0106] (Cooling section)

[0107] like Figure 1 As shown, cooling section 3 can be constructed by means of a cylindrical member 7. The cylindrical member 7 can be, for example, a paper tube formed from thick paper into a cylindrical shape.

[0108] A perforation 8 is provided in both the cylindrical member 7 and the mouthpiece liner 12 (described later). Through the perforation 8, external gas is introduced into the cooling section 3 during inhalation. As a result, the aerosol vaporized components generated by heating the tobacco-containing section 2 come into contact with the external atmosphere, their temperature decreases, and they liquefy to form an aerosol. The diameter (diameter length) of the perforation 8 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. The number of perforations 8 is not particularly limited and can be one or more. For example, multiple perforations 8 can be provided on the circumference of the cooling section 3.

[0109] The amount of external gas introduced through the perforation 8 is preferably 85% by volume or less, more preferably 80% by volume or less, relative to the total volume of gas inhaled by the user. By keeping the proportion of the external gas at 85% by volume or less, the reduction in fragrance due to dilution by the external gas can be sufficiently suppressed. It should be noted that, in other words, this is also referred to as the ventilation ratio. From the viewpoint of cooling performance, the lower limit of the ventilation ratio range is preferably 55% by volume or more, more preferably 60% by volume or more.

[0110] Additionally, the cooling section can be a section comprising a sheet of material that has been pleated, folded, or bent. The cross-sectional profile of such a component sometimes shows randomly oriented channels. Furthermore, the cooling section can comprise a bundle of longitudinally extending tubes. Such a cooling section can be formed, for example, by rolling pleated, folded, or bent sheet material into a paper roll.

[0111] The axial length of the cooling section can be, for example, 7 mm or more and 28 mm or less, or for example, 18 mm. In addition, the axial cross-sectional shape of the cooling section can be substantially circular, and its diameter can be, for example, 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less, or for example, about 7 mm.

[0112] (Central bore section)

[0113] The central hole section consists of a filling layer having one or more hollow portions and an inner packaging material (inner roll paper) covering the filling layer. For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the central hole section 4 is composed of a second filling layer 9 having a hollow portion and a second inner rod packaging material 10 covering the second filling layer 9. The central hole section 4 functions to improve the strength of the mouthpiece section 6. The second filling layer 9 can be, for example, made into a rod with an inner diameter of φ1.0 mm or more and φ5.0 mm or less, formed by filling high-density cellulose acetate fibers and adding 6% to 20% by mass of a plasticizer containing triacetin relative to the mass of cellulose acetate, and then curing it. The high fiber filling density of the second filling layer 9 means that during inhalation, air and aerosol only flow through the hollow portion and essentially do not flow through the interior of the second filling layer 9. Since the second filling layer 9 inside the central hole section 4 is a fiber filling layer, the touch feel from the outside during use is basically not uncomfortable for the user. It should be noted that the central hole section 4 can maintain its shape by thermoforming without having the second inner rod packaging material 10.

[0114] (Filter section)

[0115] The composition of filter section 5 is not particularly limited and can consist of one or more filling layers. The outer side of the filling layer can be wrapped with one or more sheets of roll paper. The average airflow resistance per section of filter section 5 can be appropriately varied depending on the amount and material of the filling material. For example, if the filling material is cellulose acetate fiber, increasing the amount of cellulose acetate fiber in filter section 5 will increase the airflow resistance. When the filling material is cellulose acetate fiber, the filling density of cellulose acetate fiber can be 0.13–0.18 g / cm³. 3 It should be noted that the ventilation resistance is a value measured using a ventilation resistance meter (trade names: SODIMAX, SODIM).

[0116] The circumferential length of the filter section 5 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 16–25 mm, more preferably 20–24 mm, and even more preferably 21–23 mm. The axial length of the filter section 5 can be selected from 4 to 10 mm, with an airflow resistance of 15–60 mmH2O / seg. The axial length of the filter section 5 is preferably 5–9 mm, more preferably 6–8 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the filter section 5 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, circular, elliptical, or polygonal. Furthermore, destructive capsules, fragrance beads, or fragrances containing fragrance can be directly added to the filter section 5.

[0117] like Figure 1 As shown, the central hole section 4 and the filter section 5 can be connected by an outer packaging material (outer roll paper) 11. The outer packaging material 11 can be, for example, a cylindrical paper. Furthermore, the tobacco section 2, the cooling section 3, and the connected central hole section 4 and filter section 5 can be connected by a mouthpiece liner 12. Their connection can be achieved, for example, by coating the inner surface of the mouthpiece liner 12 with a slurry such as vinyl acetate and then winding the three sections together. It should be noted that these sections can be connected together multiple times using multiple liner papers.

[0118] [Non-combustion heated fragrance extraction system]

[0119] The non-combustion heated aroma inhalation system of this embodiment includes the non-combustion heated aroma inhaler of this embodiment and a heating device for heating the tobacco-containing section of the non-combustion heated aroma inhaler. The non-combustion heated aroma inhalation system of this embodiment may have other configurations besides the non-combustion heated aroma inhaler of this embodiment and the aforementioned heating device.

[0120] An example of the non-combustion heating aroma extraction system of this embodiment is shown. Figure 2 . Figure 2The non-combustion heated aroma inhalation system shown includes a non-combustion heated aroma inhaler 1 according to this embodiment, and a heating device 13 that heats the tobacco-containing section of the non-combustion heated aroma inhaler 1 from the outside.

[0121] Figure 2 (a) shows the state before the non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler 1 is inserted into the heating device 13. Figure 2 (b) shows the state in which the non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler 1 is inserted into the heating device 13 for heating. Figure 2 The heating device 13 shown includes a body 14, a heater 15, a metal tube 16, a battery unit 17, and a control unit 18. The body 14 has a cylindrical recess 19. The heater 15 and the metal tube 16 are positioned on the inner side of the recess 19, corresponding to the tobacco-containing section of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler 1 into which the recess 19 is inserted. The heater 15 can be a resistance-based heater, powered by the battery unit 17 according to instructions from the temperature control unit 18. The heat emitted by the heater 15 is conducted to the tobacco-containing section of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler 1 through the metal tube 16, which has a high thermal conductivity.

[0122] exist Figure 2 (b) illustrates this schematically, thus a gap exists between the outer periphery of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler 1 and the inner periphery of the metal tube 16. However, for the purpose of efficient heat conduction, it is preferable that there is no gap between the outer periphery of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler 1 and the inner periphery of the metal tube 16. It should be noted that the heating device 13 can heat the tobacco-containing section of the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler 1 from the outside, or it can heat it from the inside.

[0123] The heating temperature of the heating device is not particularly limited, but is preferably below 400°C, more preferably above 150°C and below 400°C, and even more preferably above 200°C and below 350°C. It should be noted that the heating temperature refers to the temperature of the heater in the heating device.

[0124] Furthermore, excellent processability is required for tobacco sheets. Sheets manufactured by the papermaking process are composed of fibrous tobacco residue, therefore, although they have excellent strength, their surface smoothness is not sufficient. Additionally, sheets manufactured by the casting process involve drying wet sheets in a moisture-rich state, resulting in air bubbles on the surface due to steam generated during drying. Moreover, during the evaporation of moisture and shrinkage of the wet sheet, the edges of the wet sheet become sparse, further compromising smoothness. Furthermore, when combined with fibrous materials, these materials can entangle and form spheres, which also impairs the surface smoothness. Typically, tobacco sheets undergo shaping, cutting, and other processing before being supplied to smoking articles. During this processing, if the surface smoothness of the tobacco sheet is insufficient, defects such as breakage can occur when the sheet comes into contact with the processing equipment. Therefore, the following describes a tobacco sheet of the first type, which also exhibits excellent processability in addition to the aforementioned effects.

[0125] Furthermore, existing tobacco sheets produce microparticles during or after use, known as "leaked tobacco," which can cause operational problems such as sticking to clothing. Therefore, reducing tobacco leakage can improve operability. Thus, the following describes a second method of tobacco sheet that further reduces tobacco leakage in addition to the aforementioned effects.

[0126] [Method 1]

[0127] The tobacco sheet in this method contains at least tobacco material and an adhesive.

[0128] (1) Adhesive

[0129] The adhesive, one of the molding agents described above, is a bonding agent used to bond tobacco materials together or to other components. In this method, known adhesives can be used. Examples of such adhesives include polysaccharides such as guar gum and xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose), CMC-Na (sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose), and HPC (hydroxypropyl cellulose). The upper limit of the adhesive content relative to the dry weight (excluding water, hereinafter the same) is preferably 6% by mass or less, and the lower limit is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more. If the amount of adhesive exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit, the aforementioned effects may not be fully realized.

[0130] Examples of adhesives used in this method include polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers. Specific examples are shown below. These adhesives can also be used in combination in this method.

[0131] 1) Polysaccharides

[0132] 1-1) Cellulose derivatives

[0133] Cellulose ethers

[0134] Methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethyl ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, benzylcellulose, triphenylmethylcellulose, cyanoethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxyethylcellulose, aminoethylcellulose.

[0135] [Cellulose esters]

[0136] Organic esters: cellulose acetate, cellulose formate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose benzoate, cellulose phthalate, toluenesulfonyl cellulose.

[0137] Inorganic acid esters: nitrocellulose, cellulose sulfate, cellulose phosphate, cellulose xanthate.

[0138] 1-2) Polysaccharides from natural sources

[0139] [Plant source]

[0140] Guar gum, tara gum, locust bean gum, tamarind gum, pectin, gum arabic, yarrow gum, ebony gum, ghatti gum, arabinogalactan, flaxseed gum, cassia gum, plantain seed gum, and artemisia seed gum.

[0141] [Algal Source]

[0142] Carrageenan, agar, alginic acid, propylene glycol alginate, red algae gum, and algae extract.

[0143] [Microbial origin]

[0144] Xanthan gum, gellan gum, guar gum, pullulan polysaccharide, agrobacterium succinoglycan, Brunei gum, macropox gum, and rhamsan gum.

[0145] [Crustacean origin]

[0146] Chitin, chitosan, and glucosamine.

[0147] [Starch-based products]

[0148] Starch, sodium starch glycolate, α-starch, dextrin.

[0149] 2) Protein

[0150] Wheat gluten, rye gluten.

[0151] 3) Synthetic polymers

[0152] Polyphosphate, sodium polyacrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0153] (2) Tobacco materials

[0154] The tobacco material used in this method is preferably the aforementioned tobacco powder. However, materials other than the aforementioned tobacco powder may be used in this method without impairing the invention's effectiveness. Specifically, materials obtained by shredding dried tobacco leaves or tobacco leaf pulverizers may be used. Tobacco leaf pulverizers are particles obtained by pulverizing tobacco leaves. The particle size D90 of the tobacco leaf pulverizer is not limited, but its upper limit is preferably set to 1000 μm or less, more preferably 50 to 500 μm. Furthermore, its average particle size D50 is preferably set to 20 to 1000 μm, more preferably 50 to 500 μm. Pulverization can be performed using a known pulverizer, and can be either dry pulverization or wet pulverization. Therefore, tobacco leaf pulverizers are also referred to as tobacco leaf particles. In this method, the particle size can be determined by laser diffraction / scattering, specifically using a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring device (e.g., Horiba Manufacturing Co., Ltd. LA-950). Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the type of tobacco used; varieties belonging to the yellow tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco, native varieties (native varieties), and other varieties of the red-flowered tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and yellow-flowered tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) families can be used. The amount of tobacco material in the tobacco sheet is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50–95% by mass, more preferably 60–90% by mass, based on dry weight.

[0155] (3) Aerosol generating agent

[0156] In this method, known aerosol generating agents can be used, such as glycerol, propylene glycol (PG) and other polyols, triethyl citrate (TEC), triacetin and other substances with boiling points exceeding 100°C. In this method, the amount of aerosol generating agent in the tobacco sheet is preferably 5 to 40% by mass, more preferably 10 to 20% by mass, based on dry weight (excluding water). If the amount of aerosol generating agent exceeds the upper limit, there is a risk of difficulty in manufacturing tobacco sheets; if it is below the lower limit, there is a risk of reduced smoke sensation.

[0157] (4) Emulsifier

[0158] In this method, the tobacco sheet may contain an emulsifier. The emulsifier enhances the affinity between the lipophilic aerosol generator and the hydrophilic tobacco material. Therefore, adding an emulsifier is particularly effective when using a lipophilic aerosol generator. Known emulsifiers can be used as emulsifiers; for example, emulsifiers with an HLB value of 8 to 18 can be cited. The amount of emulsifier is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 3 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 2 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the tobacco sheet (dry weight).

[0159] (5) Fiber

[0160] In one embodiment, the tobacco sheet of this embodiment does not contain fibers derived from tobacco or fibers derived from materials other than tobacco (e.g., cellulose). In this embodiment, undesirable effects such as off-flavors caused by these fibers on the aroma can be avoided. However, since it is practically impossible to completely eliminate fibers, the amount of the aforementioned fibers in the tobacco sheet is preferably 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0.5% by mass, based on dry weight. In other embodiments, the tobacco sheet of this embodiment contains a total of 0.5 to 2.0% by mass of fibers derived from tobacco or fibers derived from materials other than tobacco. In this embodiment, the aforementioned fibers increase the strength of the tobacco sheet, resulting in an excellent balance between aroma and strength. In this invention, the fibers derived from tobacco refer to fibers obtained by pulping tobacco raw materials using a mill or similar method, and are different from the aforementioned tobacco materials.

[0161] (6) Spices

[0162] In this method, the tobacco sheet may contain a flavoring agent. A flavoring agent is a substance that provides aroma and flavor. The flavoring agent can be a natural flavoring agent or a synthetic flavoring agent. One flavoring agent or a mixture of multiple flavoring agents can be used. Any flavoring agent commonly used in smoking articles can be used, specific examples of which will be described later. The flavoring agent can be included in the tobacco sheet in an amount capable of providing a preferred aroma and flavor to the smoking article; for example, its amount in the tobacco sheet is preferably 1 to 30% by mass, more preferably 2 to 20% by mass.

[0163] There are no specific limitations on the types of spices used. From the perspective of imparting a pleasant spice flavor, the following can be listed: acetylanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, pentanol, amyl butyrate, trans-anetinoside, star anise oil, apple juice, Peruvian balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resin, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cinnamon bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamyl ester, citronellol oil, DL-citronellol, sage extract, cocoa, coffee... Coffee, Concha oil, Coriander oil, Cucurbitacin, Artemisia annua oil, δ-decanoic acid, γ-decanoic acid, 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-octenic 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 acetylpropionate, Ethyl maltol, Ethyl octanoate, Ethyl oleate, Ethyl palmitate Ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek oil, broom oil, gentian root extract, geraniol, geraniyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, γ-heptanol, γ-caprolactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexanol, 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-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, immortelle absolute oil, β-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute oil, kola tincture, limonene oil, terpene-free lemon oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, Angelica sinensis root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-acetic acid Ester, p-methoxybenzaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolidone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute oil, molasses, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, γ-nonalactone, myristica oil, δ-octanolide, octanal, caprylic acid, nerolipid, orange oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, ω-pentadecanolactone, peppermint oil, Paraguayan bitter orange leaf oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenylethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperaldehyde, propenyl ethyl guaiacol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidene-1-isobenzofuranone, prune juice, pyruvic acid, grape extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, senna Chrysanthemum oil, tea distillate, α-terpineol, terpineyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxetane (8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tetranone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecyl lactone, γ-valerol lactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratral, violet leaf essential oil, N-ethyl-p- Alkyl-3-carboxamide (WS-3), ethyl-2-(p-carboxamide) 3-carboxamide acetate (WS-5), sugars (sucrose, fructose, etc.), cocoa powder, carob powder, coriander powder, licorice powder, orange peel powder, rosehip powder, chamomile flower powder, lemon verbena powder, peppermint powder, leaf powder, spearmint powder, black tea powder, natural plant flavorings (e.g., jasmine oil, lemon oil, vetiver oil, angelica oil), esters (e.g., acetic acid) Esters, isoamyl propionate, etc.), and alcohols (e.g., phenylethanol, cis-6-nonen-1-ol, etc.). These fragrances can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0164] (7) Characteristics and morphology of tobacco sheets

[0165] 1) Arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa

[0166] The tobacco sheet in this method preferably has a surface roughness (Sa) of 5 to 30 μm on at least one side. Sa is an indicator of surface roughness. When the tobacco sheet of this method has a Sa within the above-mentioned range, it exhibits excellent processability and reduces the leakage of tobacco shreds from the surface. From this viewpoint, Sa is more preferably 10 to 25 μm, and even more preferably 10 to 20 μm. The tobacco sheet of this method preferably has a Sa within the above-mentioned range on both sides. Sa can be measured by known methods, and preferred measurement methods are given below.

[0167] The measurements were performed using a microscope (e.g., a VK-X100 from KEYENCE) following these steps.

[0168] 1) Set the focus position of the lowest part of the image.

[0169] 2) Set the focus position of the highest part of the image.

[0170] 3) Divide the intervals obtained in 1) and 2) above, and take pictures while gradually moving the focus.

[0171] 4) Determine the height based on the difference between the focal position of each part and the focal position of the lowest part.

[0172] 5) Calculate the surface roughness (automatically calculated by the measuring instrument software) based on the height data at each location, and calculate the arithmetic surface roughness Sa.

[0173] 2) Thickness

[0174] The thickness of the tobacco sheet is not limited, but in one embodiment it is preferably 20 to 2000 μm, more preferably 100 to 1500 μm, and even more preferably 100 to 1000 μm.

[0175] 3) Mechanical properties

[0176] The tobacco sheet in this method preferably has an elongation at least 2.0%, more preferably 3.0% or more, and even more preferably 5.0% or more. There is no upper limit to the elongation at least 15%, but it is typically around 15%. Furthermore, the tobacco sheet preferably has a tensile stress of at least 2.0 N / mm, more preferably 2.5 N / mm or more, and even more preferably 3.0 N / mm or more.

[0177] 4) Operability

[0178] The smoothness of the tobacco sheet in this method can affect the operability of the product. For example, in smoking articles using tobacco sheets that lack smoothness, fine powder, known as so-called tobacco leakage, may be produced during or after use, causing operational problems such as adhering to clothing. However, the tobacco sheet of the present invention has excellent smoothness, thus suppressing the occurrence of such problems.

[0179] (8) Tobacco Section

[0180] Tobacco segments for smoking articles can be manufactured from tobacco sheets. In one embodiment, the tobacco segment comprises a tubular packaging material and a tobacco sheet (see reference) spirally filled within the packaging material. Figure 3 A). In the diagram, 20A represents the tobacco segment, T represents the tobacco sheet, and 22 represents the packaging material, typically paper. This tobacco segment is preferably rod-shaped, with a length of 15–80 mm and a diameter of approximately 5–10 mm. Alternatively, it can also be... Figure 3 The tobacco section 20A described in section A is cut, with an aspect ratio (length / diameter) of approximately 0.5 to 1.2 (refer to section A). Figure 3 B).

[0181] In other configurations, the tobacco segment 20A includes a cylindrical packaging material 22 and a tobacco sheet T folded and filled within this packaging material. The ridge line created by the folding is substantially parallel to the length direction of the segment (see reference). Figure 3 C). The tobacco segment 20A is preferably rod-shaped, with a length of 15–80 mm and a diameter of approximately 5–10 mm. In this method, it is preferable to pre-treat the tobacco sheet T with surface wrinkling processes such as pleating or curling.

[0182] In other embodiments, the tobacco section 20A includes a cylindrical packaging material 22 and cut pieces of tobacco sheets filled within the packaging material (see reference). Figure 3 D). The tobacco segment 20A is preferably rod-shaped, with a length of 15–80 mm and a diameter of approximately 5–10 mm. The size of the cut slice is not limited; for example, the longest side can be approximately 2–20 mm long and the width approximately 0.5–1.5 mm wide.

[0183] In other embodiments, the tobacco segment 20A includes a tubular packaging material 22 and a bundle of tobacco shreds filled within the packaging material (see reference). Figure 3 E). The bundled tobacco is filled in such a way that its length direction is basically parallel to the length direction of the packaging material 22. The width of the bundled tobacco can be set to about 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0184] In other configurations, the tobacco segment 20A includes a tubular packaging material 22, and contains tobacco filler randomly inserted within the packaging material. The tobacco is cut into pieces, unlike bundled tobacco.

[0185] [Manufacturing Method]

[0186] The tobacco sheet in this method can be manufactured by any method, but preferably by a method that includes the following steps.

[0187] Step 1 involves mixing tobacco materials, adhesives, and media to prepare a mixture.

[0188] Step 2 involves pressing or extruding the mixture from a die to prepare a wet sheet.

[0189] Step 3: Dry the above wet sheet.

[0190] A sheet formed by applying pressure in this way is called a "compression-formed sheet," which, as described below, includes "laminated sheets" and "extruded sheets." A laminated sheet is a sheet obtained by pressing a mixture once or more to a target thickness using rollers and then drying it to a target moisture content. An extruded sheet is a sheet obtained by extruding a mixture from a die such as a T-die to a target thickness and then drying it to a target moisture content. Compression forming can combine pressing and extrusion. For example, the mixture can be further pressed after extrusion to form a sheet.

[0191] (1) Process 1

[0192] This process involves mixing tobacco materials, binders, and a medium. Aerosols, emulsifiers, or flavorings may be added as needed. The proportions of each component can be adjusted to achieve the aforementioned amounts. The medium is preferably a water-soluble organic solvent with a boiling point below 100°C, such as water or ethanol, as the main component; water or ethanol is more preferred.

[0193] This process can be carried out by mixing the various components, preferably by 1) crushing the raw materials (e.g., single leaves), 2) preparing wet powder, and 3) mixing.

[0194] 1) Crushing

[0195] Preferably, the raw material is coarsely ground, followed by micronization using a pulverizer (e.g., Hosokawa Micron ACM-5). The particle size D90 after micronization is preferably 20–1000 μm. The particle size can be determined using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer such as the Mastersizer (Malvern).

[0196] 2) Preparation of wet powder

[0197] A binder, flavorings, lipids, and other additives, if desired, are added to the pulverized tobacco raw material (e.g., tobacco particles) and mixed. This mixing is preferably dry mixing, therefore a mixer is preferred. Next, a medium such as water and an aerosol such as glycerol, if desired, are added to the dry mixture to form a substrate, and the mixture is then mixed using a mixer to prepare wet powder (powder in a moist state). The amount of medium in this wet powder can be set to 20–80% by mass, preferably 20–40% by mass, and can be adjusted appropriately according to step 2. For example, if extrusion is performed in step 2, the amount of the medium can be set to 20–50% by mass, and if extrusion is performed, it can be set to 20–80% by mass. The solid content concentration of the wet powder is preferably 50–90% by mass.

[0198] 3) Mixing

[0199] The wet powder is kneaded using a kneader (e.g., DALTON DG-1). Kneading is preferably carried out on the whole medium until it is spread throughout the medium; for example, it is preferred to knead until the color of the mixture becomes uniform when observed with the naked eye.

[0200] (2) Process 2

[0201] In this process, the above mixture (wet powder) is spread or extruded from a die to prepare a wet sheet. For example, the mixture can be sandwiched between two substrate films and spread using a calender (e.g., manufactured by Yuri Roll Machine Co., Ltd.) between a pair of rollers until a given thickness (greater than 100 μm) is achieved, resulting in a laminate with a wet sheet between the two substrate films. The substrate film is preferably a non-adhesive film such as a fluoropolymer film. The spreading process using rollers can be repeated multiple times. Alternatively, the above mixture (wet powder) can be extruded from a die (preferably a T-die) with a given gap to form a wet sheet on a substrate. Known substrates such as glass plates, metal plates, and plastic plates can be used as the substrate. A known extruder can be used for extrusion.

[0202] (3) Process 3

[0203] In this process, the wet sheet is dried. For example, for a laminate, this process can be carried out according to the following steps: 1) Peel off a substrate film. 2) Dry the laminate using a ventilated dryer. The drying temperature can be room temperature, preferably 50-100°C, and the drying time can be set to 1-2 minutes. 3) Next, peel off the remaining substrate film and further dry under the above conditions to obtain a tobacco sheet. By drying in this way, the tobacco sheet can be prevented from adhering to other substrates. The tobacco sheet obtained in this way is also called a "laminated sheet". The surface of the laminated sheet is smooth, which can suppress the leakage of tobacco when in contact with other components, and is therefore preferred. In addition, this method is suitable for the manufacture of sheets with a thickness of 300 μm or less.

[0204] In the case of extrusion molding, the wet sheet on the substrate is dried by air drying or heating. The drying conditions are as described above. The tobacco sheet obtained in this way is also called an "extruded sheet". The surface of the extruded sheet is smooth, which can suppress the leakage of tobacco when in contact with other components, and is therefore preferred. This method is suitable for manufacturing sheets with a thickness of 200 μm or more.

[0205] [Method 2]

[0206] The tobacco sheet in this method comprises tobacco material and a cellulose derivative with a degree of substitution of 0.65 or higher as a binder.

[0207] (1) Adhesive

[0208] In this method, a cellulose derivative with a degree of substitution of 0.65 or higher is used as the binder. Cellulose derivatives refer to cellulose whose -OH groups of pyranose residues have been modified. Products in which the -OH groups are modified to -OR groups (R being an organic group) are also called cellulose ethers, and products in which the -OX groups are modified to -OX groups (X being a group derived from an acid) are also called cellulose esters; both can be used in this invention.

[0209] The degree of substitution is an evaluation of the number of substituents per pyranose residue, i.e., the number of modified OH groups. The degree of substitution used in this invention is preferably 0.65 or more, more preferably 0.7 or more, and even more preferably 0.8 or more. Furthermore, the upper limit of the degree of substitution is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.0 or less, even more preferably 1.6 or less, and particularly preferably 1.0 or less.

[0210] The degree of substitution can be determined by known methods. For example, the degree of substitution can be determined by the nitric acid-methanol method. This method is as follows: 1) Accurately weigh approximately 2.0 g of the sample and place it in a 300 ml Erlenmeyer flask with a stopper. Add 100 ml of nitric acid-methanol (the liquid obtained by adding 100 ml of super-concentrated nitric acid to 1 g of anhydrous methanol), shake for about 2 hours, and change the terminal acid group from the salt form to the hydrogen form (e.g., from COONa to COOH). 2) Filter the sample through a 1G3 glass filter, wash with 200 ml of 80% methanol, and dry at 105°C for 2 hours. 3) Accurately weigh approximately 1–1.5 g of the absolutely dried sample and place it in a 300 ml Erlenmeyer flask with a stopper. Moisten with 150 ml of 80% methanol, add 50 ml of 0.1 N NaOH, and shake at room temperature for 2 hours. Use phenolphthalein as an indicator and back-titrate the excess NaOH with 0.1 N sulfuric acid. 4) Calculate the degree of substitution using the following formula.

[0211] Degree of substitution = 0.162A / (1 - 0.058A)

[0212] A = 50 × F' - (amount of sulfuric acid above, ml) × F / (absolutely dry sample mass, g) × 0.1

[0213] F: The coefficient of the sulfuric acid mentioned above

[0214] F': The coefficient of the above NaOH

[0215] Cellulose ethers can contain a maximum of three Rs, which may be the same or different. Examples of Rs include: C1-C3 straight-chain or branched alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, and propyl; C1-C3 straight-chain or branched hydroxyalkyl groups such as hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, and hydroxypropyl; C7-C20 arylalkyl groups such as benzyl and triphenylmethyl; cyanoalkyl groups such as cyanoethyl; carboxyalkyl groups such as carboxymethyl and carboxyethyl; and aminoalkyl groups such as aminoethyl. Among these, carboxyalkyl groups are preferred as Rs, and carboxymethyl groups are more preferred. The degree of substitution of cellulose ethers is also referred to as the degree of etherification.

[0216] In cellulose esters, there can be a maximum of three X groups, which can be the same or different. Examples of X groups include: groups derived from C0-C4 carboxylic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid; groups derived from C6-C10 aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid and phthalic acid; groups derived from sulfonic acids such as p-toluenesulfonic acid; groups derived from inorganic acids such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid; and groups derived from xanthic acid. The degree of substitution in cellulose esters is also called the degree of esterification.

[0217] The aforementioned cellulose derivatives have high hydrophilicity, thus improving their affinity with tobacco materials when used as a binder. As a result, the strength of the tobacco sheet is increased, and tobacco leakage is less likely during use.

[0218] Furthermore, the aforementioned cellulose derivatives are soluble in organic solvents, particularly ethanol. Therefore, when using a mixture with ethanol as a medium in the manufacture of tobacco sheets as described later, the viscosity of the mixture can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of transportation and coating processes during manufacturing compared to mixtures with water as a medium. Additionally, since ethanol is more volatile than water, the manufacturing method described above can shorten manufacturing time and reduce energy costs during drying.

[0219] The amount of the aforementioned cellulose derivative in the tobacco sheet is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass, more preferably 1 to 5% by mass, and further preferably 2 to 4% by mass, relative to the dry mass of the tobacco sheet (mass excluding water mixed in). If the amount of binder exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit, the above-mentioned effects may not be fully realized.

[0220] The following are specific examples of cellulose derivatives.

[0221] Cellulose ethers: methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, benzylcellulose, triphenylmethylcellulose, cyanoethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxyethylcellulose, aminoethylcellulose.

[0222] Cellulose esters: organic esters such as cellulose acetate, cellulose formate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose benzoate, cellulose phthalate, and toluenesulfonyl cellulose; inorganic esters such as cellulose nitrate, cellulose sulfate, cellulose phosphate, and cellulose xanthate.

[0223] (2) Tobacco materials

[0224] In this method, the tobacco material described in Method 1 can be used.

[0225] (3) Aerosol generating agent

[0226] In this method, the tobacco sheet may contain the aerosol generating agent described in the first method.

[0227] (4) Emulsifier

[0228] In this method, the tobacco sheet may contain the emulsifier described in the first method.

[0229] (5) Cellulose other than tobacco

[0230] In this method, the tobacco sheet may contain cellulose other than tobacco. Examples of cellulose other than tobacco include, for example, cellulose fibers and cellulose powder, as described above, but it does not contain cellulose derivatives used as binders. Tobacco sheets containing cellulose fibers have high strength. Examples of such fibers include, for example, pulp fibers. Pulp fibers refer to an aggregate of cellulose fibers derived from plants such as wood, and are commonly used as raw materials for paper. Examples of pulp fibers include: waste paper pulp, chemical pulp, and mechanical pulp.

[0231] From the viewpoint of mechanical strength, the amount of the aforementioned fiber in the tobacco sheet is preferably 1 to 20% by mass, more preferably 5 to 10% by mass, based on dry weight. Since off-flavors can be reduced when the tobacco sheet does not contain this fiber, in one embodiment, the tobacco sheet does not contain this fiber. In this case, the strength can be increased by adjusting the amount of binder.

[0232] (6) Spices

[0233] In this method, the tobacco sheet may contain the flavorings described in Method 1.

[0234] (7) Characteristics and morphology of tobacco sheets

[0235] 1) Thickness

[0236] The thickness of the tobacco sheet in this method is not limited, but in one method it is preferably 20-2000 μm, more preferably 100-1500 μm, and even more preferably 100-1000 μm.

[0237] 2) Strength

[0238] The tobacco sheet in this method preferably has a tensile stress of 1.7 N / mm or more, more preferably 2 N / mm or more, and even more preferably 3 N / mm or more.

[0239] 3) Arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa

[0240] In this method, at least one side of the tobacco sheet preferably has an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa of 0.03 mm or less. Sa is an indicator of surface roughness. When the tobacco sheet of the present invention has a Sa within the above-mentioned range, the leakage of tobacco shreds from the surface is reduced. From this point of view, the upper limit of Sa is more preferably 0.02 mm or less.

[0241] (8) Tobacco Section

[0242] Tobacco segments for use in smoking articles can be manufactured from tobacco sheets. The tobacco segments in this method are as described in Method 1.

[0243] [Manufacturing Method]

[0244] The tobacco sheet in this method can be manufactured by any method, but preferably by a method that includes the following steps.

[0245] Step 1 involves preparing at least a mixture comprising tobacco material, the aforementioned cellulose derivative, and a medium;

[0246] Step 2, spreading the above mixture on a substrate to prepare a wet sheet; and

[0247] Step 3: Dry the above wet sheet.

[0248] (1) Process 1

[0249] This process involves mixing tobacco material, a cellulose derivative as a binder, and a medium. Aerosol-generating substrate, emulsifier, or flavoring may also be added as needed. The proportions of each component can be adjusted appropriately to achieve the aforementioned amounts. The medium is preferably a water-soluble organic solvent with a boiling point less than 100°C, such as water or ethanol, as the main component; water or ethanol is more preferred. The mixing method is not limited, and known equipment such as a mixer or kneader can be used. The concentration of solid components in the mixture obtained by mixing is not limited and can be appropriately adjusted in a manner suitable for step 2. For example, the upper limit of this solid component concentration is preferably 98% by mass or less, 90% by mass or less, or 80% by mass or less, and the lower limit is preferably 10% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, 30% by mass or more, 40% by mass or more, or 50% by mass or more.

[0250] (2) Process 2

[0251] In this process, the above mixture is spread on a substrate to prepare a wet sheet. The substrate is not limited and can be categorized as follows: inorganic substrates such as glass plates, metallic substrates such as aluminum plates, organic substrates such as PET films and fluoropolymer films, and fibrous substrates such as non-woven fabrics. The method for spreading the mixture on the substrate is not limited and can include calendering using rollers, extrusion using a die, and casting.

[0252] (3) Drying process

[0253] In this process, the aforementioned wet sheet is dried. Drying can be carried out using known methods. For example, the wet sheet can be air-dried at room temperature or dried by heating. The heating temperature is not limited; for example, it can be set to 60–150°C. The dried sheet is then separated from the substrate to obtain tobacco sheets.

[0254] Hereinafter, a preferred method for manufacturing the tobacco sheet of the present invention will be described.

[0255] [Calling method]

[0256] 1) Process 1

[0257] 1-1) Crushing

[0258] The raw material (e.g., a single leaf) is coarsely ground. Then, it is finely ground using a pulverizer (e.g., Hosokawa Micron ACM-5). The particle size (D90) after fine grinding is preferably 50–800 μm. The particle size can be determined using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer such as Mastersizer (Malvern).

[0259] 1-2) Preparation of wet powder

[0260] A binder, flavorings, lipids, and other additives, if desired, are added to the pulverized tobacco raw material (e.g., tobacco particles) and mixed. This mixing is preferably dry mixing, therefore a mixer is preferably used. Next, a medium such as water and aerosols such as glycerol, if desired, are added to the dry mixture to form a matrix, and the mixture is then mixed using a mixer to prepare wet powder (powder in a moist state). The amount of medium in this wet powder can be set to 20–80% by mass, preferably 20–40% by mass, and since pressing is performed in step 2, it can be set to 20–50% by mass. The solid content concentration of the wet powder is preferably 50–90% by mass.

[0261] 1-3) Mixing

[0262] The wet powder is mixed using a single-screw or multi-screw mixer, such as a kneader (DALTON DG-1, etc.). Mixing is preferably carried out on a whole, until it covers the entire medium; for example, it is preferable to mix until the color of the mixture becomes uniform when observed with the naked eye.

[0263] 2) Process 2 (Pressure spreading)

[0264] The mixed material is sandwiched between two substrate films and passed through a pair of rollers using a calendering machine (e.g., manufactured by Yuri RollMachine) until a given thickness (greater than 100 μm) is achieved, resulting in a laminate with a wet sheet between the two substrate films. This rolling process can be repeated multiple times. The substrate films are preferably non-adhesive films such as fluoropolymer films, specifically Teflon (registered trademark) films.

[0265] 3) Process 3

[0266] One substrate film is peeled off from the laminate. The laminate is then dried using a ventilated dryer. The drying temperature is preferably 50–100°C, and the drying time can be set to 1–2 minutes. Next, the remaining substrate film is peeled off, and the laminate is further dried under the above conditions to obtain tobacco sheets. This drying method prevents the tobacco sheets from adhering to other substrates.

[0267] The tobacco sheet obtained in this method is also referred to as a "laminated sheet". The laminated sheet has a smooth surface, which helps to suppress tobacco leakage when in contact with other components, making it preferred. Furthermore, this method is suitable for manufacturing sheets with a diameter of 300 μm or less.

[0268] [Extrusion method]

[0269] 1) Process 1

[0270] Step 1 in this method is as described in the calendering process. A wet powder (powder in a moist state) is prepared. When extrusion is performed in step 2, the amount of medium in the wet powder can be selected in the range of 20-80% by mass, preferably 20-40% by mass.

[0271] 2) Process 2

[0272] In this process, wet powder is extruded from a die with a given gap to form a wet sheet on a substrate. Extrusion can be performed using a known extruder.

[0273] 3) Process 3

[0274] In this process, wet sheets are dried to obtain tobacco sheets. The drying conditions are as described in the calendering method. The tobacco sheets obtained by this method are also referred to as "extruded sheets". Extruded sheets have a smooth surface, which helps to prevent tobacco leakage when in contact with other components, and is therefore preferred. This method is suitable for manufacturing sheets with a thickness of 200 μm or more.

[0275] Furthermore, sheets formed by applying pressure in this way are called "compression-formed sheets," which include "laminated sheets" and "extruded sheets." Laminated sheets are sheets obtained by pressing a mixture once or more to a target thickness using rollers and then drying it to a target moisture content. Extruded sheets are sheets obtained by extruding a mixture from a die such as a T-die to a target thickness and then drying it to a target moisture content. Compression-formed sheets can combine pressing and extrusion. For example, a sheet can be formed by further pressing the mixture after extrusion.

[0276] [Drape Method]

[0277] 1) Process 1

[0278] Step 1 in this method can be implemented by any method. For example, a mixture can be prepared by mixing tobacco raw materials with the desired particle size, cellulose derivatives, media, and additives added as needed using a mixer or the like. The solid content concentration of the mixture obtained in this step is preferably about 3 to 15% by mass, therefore the mixture is also referred to as a slurry.

[0279] 2) Process 2

[0280] In this process, the slurry is cast onto a substrate to form a wet sheet. Casting can be performed as described in the prior art.

[0281] 3) Process 3

[0282] In this process, wet sheets are dried to obtain tobacco sheets. The drying conditions are as described in the calendering method. The tobacco sheets obtained by this method are also referred to as "cast sheets".

[0283] Example

[0284] The following describes specific examples of this embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0285] [Example 1]

[0286] Tobacco sheets (tobacco leaves) were dry-pulverized using a Hosokawa Micron ACM to obtain tobacco powder. The cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the particle size distribution based on volumetric dry laser diffraction were determined using a Mastersizer (trade name, manufactured by Malvern Panalytical Division, Spectris Corporation), yielding results of 57 μm and 216 μm, respectively.

[0287] Tobacco sheets were manufactured using the aforementioned tobacco powder via calendering. Specifically, 87 parts by weight of the tobacco powder, 12 parts by weight of glycerol as an aerosol generator, and 1 part by weight of carboxymethyl cellulose as a forming agent were mixed and kneaded using an extrusion molding machine. The mixture was formed into sheets using two pairs of metal rollers and dried in a hot air circulating oven at 80°C to obtain tobacco sheets. The tobacco sheets were then cut into 0.8 mm × 9.5 mm pieces using a shredder.

[0288] The bulkiness of the cut tobacco sheets was measured. Specifically, after the cut tobacco sheets were placed in a room conditioned at 22°C and 60% humidity for 48 hours, the bulkiness was measured using DD-60A (trade name, manufactured by Borgward). 15g of the cut tobacco sheets were placed in a cylindrical container with an inner diameter of 60mm, and the volume was calculated by compressing it with a 3kg load for 30 seconds. The results are shown in Table 1. It should be noted that in Table 1, the bulkiness is expressed as an increase in bulkiness (%) relative to the bulkiness value of Comparative Example 1 described below, using the bulkiness value as a baseline.

[0289] [Example 2]

[0290] As the tobacco powder, tobacco powder with a cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of 121 μm and 389 μm, respectively, in the volume-based particle size distribution based on dry laser diffraction was used. Otherwise, tobacco sheets were prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0291] [Example 3]

[0292] As the tobacco powder, tobacco powder with a cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of 225 μm and 623 μm, respectively, in the volume-based particle size distribution based on dry laser diffraction was used. Otherwise, tobacco sheets were prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0293] [Comparative Example 1]

[0294] As the tobacco powder, tobacco powder with a cumulative 50% particle size (D50) and a cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of 32 μm and 84 μm, respectively, in the volume-based particle size distribution based on dry laser diffraction was used. Otherwise, tobacco sheets were prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0295] [Table 1]

[0296]

[0297] D[3,2]: Surface area (load) average particle size

[0298] D[4,3]: Volumetric (loaded) average particle size

[0299] According to Table 1, compared with the tobacco sheet of Comparative Example 1, whose tobacco powder D90 was less than 200 μm as determined by dry laser diffraction, the fluffiness of the tobacco sheets of Examples 1-3 of this embodiment was improved. It should be noted that while the tobacco sheets in Examples 1-3 were manufactured by calendering, the fluffiness was also improved when the tobacco sheets were manufactured by casting.

[0300] The following examples, including Reference Example A and Comparative Example A, illustrate the first method.

[0301] [Reference Example A1]

[0302] Tobacco leaves were pulverized using a pulverizer (Hosokawa Micron ACM-5) to obtain tobacco particles with a D90 of 204 μm and a D50 of 66 μm. The D90 and D50 were measured using a Mastersizer (Malvern). The tobacco particles and Sunrose F20HC (cellulose ether manufactured by Nippon Paper Corporation) as a binder were dry-mixed using a mixer. Then, glycerol as an aerosol-generating substrate and water as a medium were added to this dry mixture, and the mixture was stirred to prepare a wet powder. The formulation of each component is shown in Table A1.

[0303] The wet powder was mixed six times at room temperature using a mixer (DALTON DG-1) to obtain a mixture. A T-die was used as the die head, and the screw speed was set to 38.5 rpm.

[0304] Two sheets of Teflon (registered trademark) film (NITOFLON® No. 900UL, manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation) were sandwiched between wet powder and calendered in four stages using a calendering machine (manufactured by Yuri Roll Machine Co., Ltd.) until a given thickness (greater than 100 μm) was achieved, thus preparing a laminate with a film / wet sheet / film layer structure and a thickness of 105 μm. The roll gaps for stages 1 to 4 were set to 650 μm, 330 μm, 180 μm, and 5 μm, respectively. The roll gap for stage 4 was thicker than the final sheet thickness because the sheet expanded to approximately the final thickness due to the pressure released between the rolls.

[0305] One Teflon (registered trademark) film was peeled off from the laminate and dried at 80°C for 1–2 minutes using a ventilated dryer. Then, another film was peeled off, and the wet sheet was dried under the same conditions to produce tobacco sheets using this method, which were then evaluated.

[0306]

[0307] Regarding the mass of wet powder in Table A1-1, the mass of tobacco leaf powder, glycerin, and binder represents the mass of the dried product, and the mass of water represents the total mass of input and the mass of moisture contained in the tobacco leaf powder, glycerin, and binder.

[0308] [Refer to examples A2 and A4]

[0309] Tobacco sheets were manufactured and evaluated using the same method as in Reference Example A1, except that Sunrose F30MC and Sunrose F20LC were used instead of Sunrose F20HC (cellulose ether manufactured by Nippon Paper Corporation) as the binder.

[0310] [Reference Example A3]

[0311] Sunrose F30MC was used and its proportions were changed as shown in Table A3 to replace Sunrose F20HC (cellulose ether manufactured by Nippon Paper Corporation) as a binder, and the amount of glycerol was changed to 15.5 dB by mass. Otherwise, tobacco sheets were manufactured and evaluated using the same method as in Reference Example A1.

[0312] [Refer to Comparative Example A1]

[0313] Tobacco leaf particles with a D90 of 204 μm and a D50 of 66 μm were obtained using the same method as in Reference Example A1. A mixture was obtained by mixing the same components and pulp as in Reference Example A1 using a mixer. Tobacco sheets were then manufactured using this mixture via a casting process using conventional methods.

[0314]

[0315] [Refer to Comparative Example A2]

[0316] Tobacco sheets were manufactured using a conventional papermaking method. Specifically, water-soluble components of the tobacco raw material were extracted with water, the extraction residue, pulp, and water were mixed, and the mixture was pulped using a mill. The pulp was then formed into sheets using a papermaking machine, dried, and the aforementioned extract and glycerin were added to the sheets. The tobacco sheet was evaluated using the same method as in Reference Example A1. The composition of the sheet is shown in Table A2. Furthermore, the evaluation results of the tobacco sheets manufactured in the above example are shown in Table A3.

[0317] [Table A2]

[0318] Table A2 Matching

[0319]

[0320]

[0321] The evaluation method is explained below.

[0322] [Volume of tobacco residue]

[0323] The tobacco sheets prepared in each example were cut to prepare shredded tobacco. This shredded tobacco was then filled at 70% by volume into packaging material 22, which had a length of 12 mm and a diameter of 7 mm, to prepare tobacco segment 20A. Next, a product containing this tobacco segment was prepared. Figure 1 The scented inhaler item shown is 1. Preparation. Figure 2 The system shown (wherein, it is an internally heated type) was subjected to a smoking test using a smoking machine (14 puffs, CIR conditions, constant heating at 350°C). After the smoking test, the tobacco was gently removed from tobacco section 20A. Then, new tobacco was refilled into the packaging material 22 at the aforementioned volume percentage for a second smoking test. A total of 20 smoking tests were conducted, and the total volume of tobacco remaining in the packaging material 22 was measured.

[0324] Surface roughness

[0325] The measurements were performed using a microscope (KEYENCE VK-X100) following these steps.

[0326] 1) Set the focus position of the lowest part of the image.

[0327] 2) Set the focus position of the highest part of the image.

[0328] 3) Divide the intervals obtained in 1) and 2) above, and take pictures while gradually moving the focus.

[0329] 4) Determine the height based on the difference between the focal position of each part and the focal position of the lowest part.

[0330] 5) Calculate the surface roughness (automatically calculated by the measuring instrument software) based on the height data at each location, and calculate the arithmetic surface roughness Sa.

[0331] [Tensile strength, elongation]

[0332] The obtained sheet was cut into pieces with a width of 15mm and a length of 180mm. Tensile strength was measured using a tensile strength testing machine (Toyo Seiki Co., Ltd.: Strograph ES) under conditions of ROADRANGE: 25 and SPEEDRANGE: 50. The tensile strength was evaluated by tensile stress.

[0333] The following examples, including Reference Example B and Comparative Example B, illustrate the second method.

[0334] [Reference Example B1]

[0335] Tobacco leaves were pulverized to a D90 of 50–800 μm using a pulverizer (Hosokawa Micron ACM-5) to obtain tobacco particles. The D90 was measured using a Mastersizer (Malvern). The tobacco particles and carboxymethyl cellulose (Sunrose FF30MC, manufactured by Nippon Paper Corporation) as a binder were dry-mixed using a mixer. Then, glycerol as an aerosol-generating substrate and water as a medium were added to this dry mixture, and the mixture was stirred to prepare a wet powder. The formulation of each component is described below.

[0336]

[0337] Regarding the mass of wet powder in Table B1, the mass of tobacco powder, glycerin, and binder represents the mass of dried product, and the mass of water represents the total mass of input and the mass of moisture contained in tobacco powder, glycerin, and binder.

[0338] The wet powder was mixed six times at room temperature using a mixer (DALTON DG-1) to obtain a mixture. The die was T-shaped (T-die), and the screw speed was set to 38.5 rpm.

[0339] Two sheets of Teflon (registered trademark) film (NITOFLON® No. 900UL, manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation) were sandwiched between wet powder and calendered in four stages using a calendering machine (manufactured by Yuri Roll Machine Co., Ltd.) until a given thickness (greater than 100 μm) was achieved, thus preparing a laminate with a thickness of 105 μm having a film / wet sheet / film layer structure. The roll gaps for stages 1 to 4 were set to 650 μm, 330 μm, 180 μm, and 5 μm, respectively. The roll gap for stage 4 was thicker than the final sheet thickness because the sheet expanded to approximately the final thickness due to the pressure released between the rolls.

[0340] One Teflon (registered trademark) film is peeled off from the laminate and dried at 80°C for 1–2 minutes using a ventilated dryer. Then, another film is peeled off, and the wet sheet is dried under the same conditions to produce the tobacco sheet produced by this method.

[0341] [Refer to Examples B2-B5]

[0342] Except for the use of carboxymethyl cellulose (both manufactured by Nippon Paper Co., Ltd.) as a binder as shown in Table B2, tobacco sheets were manufactured and evaluated using the same method as in Reference Example B1.

[0343] [Refer to Comparative Example B1]

[0344] Except for the use of carboxymethyl cellulose (manufactured by Nippon Paper Corporation) as a binder, as shown in Table B2, tobacco sheets were manufactured and evaluated using the same method as in Reference Example B1. The results are shown in Table B3. In the table, the properties of the finished sheet represent the properties of a sheet manufactured by drying as described above but not dried to an absolutely dry state.

[0345]

[0346] [Table B3]

[0347] Physical properties of sheet B3

[0348]

[0349] The evaluation method is explained below.

[0350] [Volume of tobacco residue]

[0351] The tobacco sheets prepared in each example were cut to prepare shredded tobacco. This shredded tobacco was then filled at 70% by volume into packaging material 22, which was 12 mm in length and 7 mm in diameter, to prepare tobacco segment 20A. Next, a product containing this tobacco segment was prepared. Figure 1 The scented inhaler item shown is 1. Preparation. Figure 2The system shown (wherein, it is an internally heated type) was subjected to a smoking test using a smoking machine (14 puffs, CIR conditions, constant heating at 350°C). After the smoking test, the tobacco was gently removed from tobacco section 20A. Then, new tobacco was refilled into the packaging material 22 at the aforementioned volume percentage for a second smoking test. A total of 20 smoking tests were conducted, and the total volume of tobacco remaining in the packaging material 22 was measured.

[0352] Surface roughness

[0353] The measurements were performed using a microscope (KEYENCE VK-X100) following these steps.

[0354] 1) Set the focus position of the lowest part of the image.

[0355] 2) Set the focus position of the highest part of the image.

[0356] 3) Divide the intervals obtained in 1) and 2) above, and take pictures while gradually moving the focus.

[0357] 4) Determine the height based on the difference between the focal position of each part and the focal position of the lowest part.

[0358] 5) Calculate the surface roughness (automatically calculated by the measuring instrument software) based on the height data at each location, and calculate the arithmetic surface roughness Sa.

[0359] [Heating properties]

[0360] A non-combustion internally heated smoking system was prepared according to the conditions described in the tobacco leakage volume section, and a smoking test was conducted under the same conditions. After the test, tobacco segment 20A was removed from the system, and a clamp was placed at a position 6 mm along the length direction from the front end. Compression was applied radially at a certain speed, and the load (N) at the moment the clamp reached the 3.5 mm position was calculated to evaluate the solidification after heating. A higher load value indicates that the tobacco is more easily solidified after heating, thus reducing the likelihood of tobacco leakage.

[0361] Tensile strength

[0362] The obtained sheet was cut into pieces with a width of 15mm and a length of 180mm. Tensile strength was measured using a tensile strength testing machine (Toyo Seiki Co., Ltd.: Strograph ES) under conditions of ROADRANGE: 25 and SPEEDRANGE: 50. The tensile strength was evaluated by tensile stress.

[0363] [Substitutability]

[0364] The above determination method was used to obtain the result.

[0365] The following describes the implementation method.

[0366] [1] A tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler, comprising tobacco powder in which the cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the particle size distribution on a volume basis determined by dry laser diffraction is 200 μm or more.

[0367] [2] The tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler according to [1], wherein the tobacco powder is at least one tobacco raw material selected from tobacco leaves, leaf veins and stem residues.

[0368] [3] The tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler according to [1] or [2], wherein the proportion of the tobacco powder contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is 45 to 95% by mass.

[0369] [4] A non-combustion heated flavored smoker tobacco sheet according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the tobacco sheet further comprises an aerosol generating agent.

[0370] [5] The tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler according to [4], wherein the aerosol generator is selected from at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol and 1,3-butanediol.

[0371] [6] The tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heated aroma inhaler according to [4] or [5], wherein the proportion of the aerosol generating agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is 4 to 50% by mass.

[0372] [7] A non-combustion heated flavored smoker tobacco sheet according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the tobacco sheet further comprises a forming agent.

[0373] [8] The tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler according to [7], wherein the molding agent is selected from at least one of polysaccharides, proteins and synthetic polymers.

[0374] [9] The tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler according to [7] or [8], wherein the proportion of the molding agent contained in 100% by mass of the tobacco sheet is 0.1 to 15% by mass.

[0375]

[10] A non-combustion heated flavored inhaler comprising a tobacco-containing section comprising any one of [1] to [9] a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler tobacco sheet.

[0376]

[11] A non-combustion heated aroma inhalation system, comprising:

[0377]

[10] The non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler, and

[0378] A heating device for heating the tobacco-containing section mentioned above.

[0379] [1A] A tobacco sheet comprising tobacco material and an adhesive, wherein the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa of at least one side of the tobacco sheet is 5 to 30 μm.

[0380] [2A] The sheet described in [1A] is a pressure-formed sheet.

[0381] [3A] The sheet according to [1A] or [2A], wherein the amount of binder incorporated is less than 6% by mass relative to the dry mass of the tobacco sheet.

[0382] [4A] The tobacco sheet according to [1A] has an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa of 5 to 30 μm on both sides.

[0383] [5A] The sheet according to any one of [1A] to [4A] has a tensile elongation of 5 to 15%.

[0384] [6A] According to the non-combustion heated smoking article, it comprises a tobacco sheet or material derived from the tobacco sheet as described in any one of [1A] to [5A].

[0385] A method for manufacturing a sheet as described in any one of [7A][1A] to [5A], the method comprising:

[0386] Step 1 involves mixing tobacco materials, adhesives, and media to prepare a mixture.

[0387] Step 2 involves pressing or extruding the above mixture through a die to prepare a wet sheet; and

[0388] Step 3: Dry the above wet sheet.

[0389] [8A] According to the manufacturing method described in [7A], step 2 includes: preparing a laminate in which a wet sheet exists between two substrate films.

[0390] [9A] The manufacturing method according to [7A] or [8A], wherein step 1 includes: mixing tobacco materials, adhesives and media using a single-screw or multi-screw mixer.

[0391] [10A] The manufacturing method according to any one of [7A] to [9A], wherein the mixture contains 20 to 80% by mass of a medium relative to the total amount of the mixture.

[0392] [1B] A tobacco tablet comprising:

[0393] Tobacco materials, and

[0394] Cellulose derivatives with a degree of substitution of 0.65 or higher.

[0395] [2B] The tablet according to [1B], wherein the degree of substitution is 0.7 or more.

[0396] [3B] The tablet according to [2B], wherein the degree of substitution is 0.8 or more.

[0397] [4B] The tablet according to any one of [1B] to [3B], wherein the cellulose derivative is carboxyalkylated cellulose.

[0398] [5B] The sheet according to any one of [1B] to [4B] has an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa of 0.03 mm or less.

[0399] [6B] The sheet according to any one of [1B] to [5B] is a pressure-formed sheet.

[0400] A method for manufacturing a sheet as described in any one of [7B][1B] to [6B], the method comprising:

[0401] Step 1: Prepare a mixture comprising at least tobacco material, the aforementioned cellulose derivative, and a medium;

[0402] Step 2, spreading the above mixture on a substrate to prepare a wet sheet; and

[0403] Step 3: Dry the above wet sheet.

[0404] [8B] According to the manufacturing method described in [7B], the above-mentioned step 1 includes: mixing the tobacco material, the above-mentioned cellulose derivative and the medium using a single-screw or multi-screw mixer.

[0405] [9B] The manufacturing method according to [7B] or [8B], wherein step 2 includes: pressing the mixture with rollers or extruding the mixture from a die.

[0406] [10B] According to the manufacturing method described in [9B], step 2 includes: preparing a laminate in which a wet sheet exists between two substrate films.

[0407] [11B] A non-combustion heated smoking article comprising any one of [1B] to [6B] a tobacco sheet or material derived from the tobacco sheet.

Claims

1. A tobacco tablet for a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler, comprising tobacco powder, wherein the cumulative 90% particle size (D90) of the tobacco powder, as determined by dry laser diffraction, is 50 to 1000 μm. The arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa of at least one side of the tobacco sheet used in the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler is 5~30μm. The tobacco sheet used in the non-combustion heated flavored inhaler is a pressure-molded sheet.

2. A non-combustion heated flavored inhaler comprising a tobacco-containing section comprising a tobacco sheet for a non-combustion heated flavored inhaler as described in claim 1.

3. A non-combustion heated aroma extraction system, comprising: The non-combustion heated fragrance inhaler as described in claim 2, and A heating device for heating the tobacco-containing section.

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