Rolled sheet, tobacco filler, smoking product, and method for manufacturing rolled sheet

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a rolled sheet that can be manufactured at low cost and has good thermal conductivity. The rolled sheet contains calcium carbonate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolled sheet, a tobacco filler, a smoking article, and a method for producing a rolled sheet. BACKGROUND

[0002] Synthetic tobacco, also referred to as tobacco sheet, is a paper-like tobacco material that has been formed into a sheet shape using tobacco leaves as a starting material by artificial molding. Examples of known methods for producing a tobacco sheet include a method produced via a papermaking (paper production) process, a method produced via a thick slurry (flow casting) process, a method produced via a roll-pressing (laminating) process, and a method produced via an extrusion process. SUMMARY

[0003] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] In the above-mentioned papermaking and flow casting methods, the raw material composition has a high moisture content (for example, the moisture content of the raw material composition in the flow casting method is approximately 80% W.B. (wet basis)) before being dried and formed into a sheet. Accordingly, when the moisture content of the raw material composition is reduced to a predetermined numerical range by a drying process in order to form a sheet, a large amount of heat must be supplied, and this increases the production cost.

[0005] Meanwhile, the roll-pressing method involves spreading and molding a kneaded material having a low moisture content of approximately 50% W.B. or less, and the moisture content of the kneaded material can be maintained at a low level before being dried and formed into a sheet. Accordingly, when a sheet is formed, a small amount of heat can be used to reduce the moisture content of the kneaded material to a predetermined numerical range.

[0006] Further, for the purpose of further enhancing the functionality of a combustion-type smoking article or a heat-not-burn-type smoking article, it would be feasible to mix a substance having better thermal conductivity than a tobacco raw material with a tobacco material. In the case of a combustion-type smoking article, controlling the thermal conductivity makes it possible to control static combustion and puff combustion. This can contribute to the generation of a smoke component and the control of the number of puffs in a combustion-type smoking article. Further, in the case of a heat-not-burn-type smoking article, it is possible to control the temperature distribution within a tobacco rod during heating, which can contribute to the generation of an aerosol component. The present inventors focused on calcium carbonate used in a wrapper for a combustion-type smoking article as a substance having such properties. Calcium carbonate is inexpensive and will also lead to further cost reduction.

[0007] To date, there has been no example of a production of a tobacco sheet in which a roll-pressing method has been used and calcium carbonate has also been mixed.

[0008] As a result of thorough research by the present inventors based on the above circumstances, it was found that molding can still be achieved when a roll-pressing method is used and calcium carbonate is also mixed as a raw material in the production of a tobacco sheet. The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a roll-pressed sheet that maintains a low production cost and has good thermal conductivity.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] As a result of extensive research conducted to solve the above problem, the inventors of the present invention found that the above problem can be solved by using a roll-pressing method and also mixing calcium carbonate as a raw material, and thus the present invention was achieved. Specific aspects of the present invention are as follows.

[0011] [1] A roll-pressed sheet comprising calcium carbonate.

[0012] [2] The roll-pressed sheet according to [1], wherein the particle size (D50) of the calcium carbonate is 0.07-80 μm.

[0013] [3] The roll-pressed sheet according to [1] or [2], wherein the content of the calcium carbonate in the roll-pressed sheet is 1 wt%-80 wt%.

[0014] [4] The roll-pressed sheet according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising a tobacco raw material.

[0015] [5] The roll-pressed sheet according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a reinforcing material.

[0016] [6] The roll-pressed sheet according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising a thickening agent.

[0017] [7] The roll-pressed sheet according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising a humectant.

[0018] [8] The roll-pressed sheet according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising an aerosol generating source.

[0019] [9] The roll-pressed sheet according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising a flavoring material, a coloring agent, a wetting agent, a preservative, or a combination thereof.

[0020]

[10] A tobacco filler material comprising the roll-pressed sheet according to any one of [1] to [9].

[0021]

[11] A smoking article comprising the tobacco filler material according to

[10] .

[0022]

[12] The smoking article according to

[11] , which is a combustible smoking article.

[0023]

[13] The smoking article according to

[11] , which is a heat-not-burn smoking article.

[0024]

[14] A method for producing the roll sheet according to any one of [1] to [9], the method comprising a step of preparing a composition containing calcium carbonate; and a step of roll-pressing the composition and then drying.

[0025] Advantages of the Invention

[0026] The present invention makes it possible to provide a roll sheet that maintains a low production cost and has a good thermal conductivity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing an example of a heat-not-burn smoking system.

[0028] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing an example of a heat-not-burn smoking article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention will be described in detail below. As used in the present invention, the range "X-Y" includes X and Y as end values.

[0030] 1. Roll sheet

[0031] The roll sheet (laminate sheet) according to the present invention contains calcium carbonate.

[0032] In the present invention, a roll sheet that maintains a low production cost and has a good thermal conductivity is obtained by using a roll-pressing method and also by mixing calcium carbonate as a raw material.

[0033] A roll sheet is disclosed in detail in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Academic Studies Center, March 31, 2009".

[0034] Calcium carbonate

[0035] The particle size (D50) of the calcium carbonate is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 0.07 to 80 μm, more preferably 0.08 to 70 μm, and most preferably 0.1 to 50 μm. As a result of the particle size (D50) of the calcium carbonate being within the above numerical range, a good thermal conductivity is exhibited.

[0036] The particle size (D50) of calcium carbonate can be measured based on a dry laser diffraction method using a Mastersizer (manufactured by Spectris Inc., Malvern Panalytical).

[0037] The content of calcium carbonate in the rolled sheet is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 1 wt% - 80 wt%, more preferably 1.5 wt% - 70 wt%, and most preferably 2 wt% - 60 wt%.

[0038] The content of calcium carbonate in the rolled sheet can be a value based on % D.B. (dry basis) (weight percentage based on solids).

[0039] When the raw material composition (tobacco formulation) of the rolled sheet contains a medium such as water, the rolled sheet can be formed by removing the medium from the tobacco formulation. In this case, the content of calcium carbonate in the rolled sheet can be calculated based on the content of calcium carbonate in the tobacco formulation while taking into account the weight of the removed medium.

[0040] Depending on the production method, the calcium carbonate can be heavy calcium carbonate obtained by crushing and classifying natural calcium carbonate, or it can be light calcium carbonate produced by chemical synthesis, but either heavy calcium carbonate or light calcium carbonate can be used.

[0041] Tobacco raw material

[0042] The rolled sheet can further include a plant raw material, which is typically tobacco, and particularly a tobacco raw material.

[0043] The tobacco raw material is a raw material derived from a tobacco plant, such as tobacco leaf, cured tobacco leaf, cut tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco raw material parts other than leaf (such as midribs and waste leaf stems), and processing products or waste obtained during the processing of the tobacco raw material. The tobacco leaf is a general term for tobacco leaf that has not been cured after harvesting. One way of curing includes curing. The cut tobacco is cured tobacco leaf or the like that has been cut into a predetermined size. The tobacco powder is tobacco leaf or the like that has been ground. Plant raw materials other than tobacco, such as tea leaves and vegetables, can also be mixed with the tobacco raw material, or can be used alone.

[0044] A plurality of varieties of tobacco can be used as the tobacco material. Examples of tobacco varieties include yellow tobacco varieties, burley tobacco varieties, oriental tobacco varieties or indigenous tobacco varieties, as well as Nicotiana tabacum varieties and Nicotiana rustica varieties. These varieties can be used alone, but in order to obtain the intended flavor, these varieties can also be used in blend throughout the entire process from harvesting the tobacco leaves until the aged tobacco leaves are manufactured into various forms (i.e., processed tobacco leaves) used in the heat-not-burn tobacco product. Details on the tobacco varieties are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Academic Studies Center, March 31, 2009".

[0045] The tobacco material is not particularly limited, and can include or consist of tobacco powder (whole tobacco leaves that are ground), midrib powder (midribs that are individually removed and ground), or a mixture thereof. By using these components as the tobacco material, tobacco aroma can be sufficiently generated during use.

[0046] In terms of the size of the tobacco material, the cumulative 90% particle size (D90) in the volume-based particle size distribution, as measured by a dry laser diffraction method, is preferably 200 μm or greater, more preferably 300 μm or greater, and even more preferably 500 μm or greater. The upper limit of the D90 range is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 2000 μm or less.

[0047] In terms of the size of the tobacco material, the cumulative 50% particle size (D50) in the volume-based particle size distribution, as measured by a dry laser diffraction method, is preferably 40 μm or greater, more preferably 100 μm or greater, and even more preferably 200 μm or greater, from the perspective of further increasing the bulkiness of the tobacco sheet. The upper limit of the D50 range is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1000 μm or less. Note that in the present embodiment, the D90 and D50 can be measured by a dry laser diffraction method using, for example, a Mastersizer (trade name, manufactured by Malvern Panalytical, a company under the Spectris Inc. group).

[0048] The content of the tobacco raw material in the rolled sheet is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 0.1 wt% to 80 wt%, more preferably 1.0 wt% to 75 wt%, and most preferably 1.5 wt% to 70 wt%. The content of the tobacco raw material in the above numerical range imparts tobacco aroma during use.

[0049] The content of the tobacco raw material in the rolled sheet can be a value based on % D.B. (dry basis).

[0050] Reinforcing material

[0051] The rolled sheet can further include a reinforcing material.

[0052] The reinforcing material is not particularly limited, but it can include or consist of pulp or fibrous substances (such as insoluble fiber / fiber synthetic cellulose), liquid substances (such as pectin suspension having a surface coating function to form a film upon drying), or also a mixture of two or more of the above substances. Among these substances, pulp is preferred. The physical properties of the rolled sheet can be improved by using pulp.

[0053] The pulp is not particularly limited, and it can include or consist of fiber pulp, cotton pulp, powder pulp, or a mixture of two or more of these pulps. Among these pulps, fiber pulp is preferred. The physical properties of the rolled sheet can be improved by using fiber pulp.

[0054] The content of the reinforcing material in the rolled sheet is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 1 wt% to 60 wt%, more preferably 1.5 wt% to 55 wt%, and most preferably 2 wt% to 50 wt%. As a result of the content of the reinforcing material in the above numerical range, the physical properties of the rolled sheet can be improved.

[0055] The content of the reinforcing material in the rolled sheet can be a value based on % D.B. (dry basis).

[0056] Thickening agent

[0057] The rolled sheet can further include a thickening agent.

[0058] The thickening agent is not particularly limited, but for example, polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers, etc. can be cited. One type of thickening agent can be used, or two or more types can be used in combination. Examples of polysaccharides that can be cited include cellulose derivatives and polysaccharides of natural origin.

[0059] Examples of the cellulose derivatives include cellulose ethers such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, benzyl cellulose, trityl cellulose, cyanoethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, and aminoethyl cellulose; organic acid esters such as cellulose acetate, cellulose formate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose benzoate, cellulose phthalate, and tosyl cellulose; and inorganic acid esters such as cellulose nitrate, cellulose sulfate, cellulose phosphate, and xanthate cellulose. One type of these cellulose derivatives can be used, or two or more types can be used in combination.

[0060] Examples of the polysaccharides of natural origin that can be listed include polysaccharides of plant origin such as guar gum, tara gum, baked bean gum, tamarind seed gum, pectin, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, gum karaya, gum ghatti, arabinogalactan, flaxseed gum, okra gum, psyllium seed gum, and safflower seed gum; polysaccharides of algal origin such as carrageenan, agar, alginic acid, propylene glycol alginate, furcelleran, and Colpomenia sinuosa extract; polysaccharides of microbial origin such as xanthan gum, gellan gum, curdlan, pullulan, succinoglycan of Agrobacterium, welan gum, macrophomopsis gum, and rhamnose gum; polysaccharides of crustacean origin such as chitin, chitosan, and glucosamine; and starches such as starch, sodium carboxymethyl starch, pregelatinized starch, corn starch, and dextrin; and polydextrin. One type of the polysaccharides of natural origin can be used, or two or more types can be used in combination.

[0061] Examples of the proteins that can be listed include cereal proteins such as wheat gluten and rye gluten. Examples of the synthetic polymers that can be listed include polyphosphoric acid, sodium polyacrylate, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. One type can be used, or two or more types can be used in combination.

[0062] The content of the thickening agent in the roll-pressed sheet is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 0.1 wt% to 15 wt%, more preferably 0.2 wt% to 13 wt%, and most preferably 0.5 wt% to 12 wt%. As a result of the content of the thickening agent being within the above numerical range, the shape of the roll-pressed sheet is easily ensured.

[0063] The content of the thickening agent in the roll-pressed sheet can be a value on a D.B. (dry basis) basis.

[0064] Humectants

[0065] The roll-pressed sheet can further include a humectant.

[0066] The humectant is not particularly limited, and can include or consist of sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, mannitol, or reduced maltose syrup, etc., or a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0067] The content of the humectant in the rolled sheet is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 wt% to 15 wt%, more preferably 0.2 wt% to 12 wt%, and most preferably 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%. As a result of the content of the humectant being within the above numerical range, the quality of the rolled sheet is easily maintained.

[0068] The content of the humectant in the rolled sheet can be a value on a % D.B. (dry basis).

[0069] Aerosol generating source

[0070] The rolled sheet can further include an aerosol generating source.

[0071] The aerosol generating source is not particularly limited, but can include glycerin, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, or a mixture of two or more thereof. Among these aerosol generating sources, glycerin is preferred. By using glycerin, a good quality aerosol can be generated.

[0072] The content of the aerosol generating source in the rolled sheet is not particularly limited, but from the perspective of generating an adequate amount of aerosol and achieving good flavor, the content is generally 3 wt% or greater, preferably 5 wt% or greater, and more preferably 7 wt% or greater, relative to the rolled sheet, and furthermore is generally 50 wt% or less, preferably 40 wt% or less, and more preferably 25 wt% or less.

[0073] The content of the aerosol generating source in the rolled sheet can be a value on a % D.B. (dry basis).

[0074] Other components

[0075] The rolled sheet can further include a flavoring material, a coloring agent, a humectant, a preservative, or a combination of two or more thereof as other components.

[0076] The properties of these other components are not critical, and for example, solids and liquids can be cited.

[0077] The type of flavoring material is not particularly limited, and from the perspective of imparting a pleasant taste, examples that can be cited include flavorings and taste materials.

[0078] Suitable flavoring agents, selected individually or in combination from the following categories, can be listed as flavoring agents: tobacco extracts and tobacco components, sugar-containing and sugar-based flavoring agents, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), cocoa, chocolate, fruit juices and fruits, seasonings, alcoholic beverages, herbs, vanilla, and flower-based flavoring agents. Food powders or plant-based powders (e.g., cocoa, licorice, tea, and vanilla beans) can be added individually or in combination as flavoring agents.

[0079] Flavoring materials can employ a wide range of flavoring components, as disclosed in, for example, the following documents: “Published Collection of Well-Known Prior Arts (Flavor and Fragrance)” (March 14, 2007, JPO); “Saishin Koryo noJiten [Encyclopedia of Scents – Latest Edition] (popular edition)” (February 25, 2012, edited by Soichi ARAI, Akio KOBAYASHI, Izumi YAJIMA, and Michiaki KAWASAKI, Asakura Publishing Co., Ltd.); and “Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products” (June 1972, RJ REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY).

[0080] Suitable flavoring agents, selected individually or in combination from the following categories, can be listed as flavoring agents: isothiocyanates, indoles and their derivatives, ethers, esters, ketones, fatty acids, aliphatic higher alcohols, aliphatic higher aldehydes, aliphatic higher hydrocarbons, thioethers, thiols, terpenes, phenolic ethers, phenols, furfural and its derivatives, aromatic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, and lactones. Flavoring agents can also be components that produce a cooling / warming sensation.

[0081] Components that exhibit sweetness, sourness, saltiness, umami, bitterness, astringency, and richness can be listed as examples of taste materials.

[0082] Sugars, sugar alcohols, and sweeteners can be listed as examples of components that impart sweetness. Monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides can be listed as examples of sugars. Natural sweeteners and synthetic sweeteners can be listed as examples of sweeteners.

[0083] Organic acids (and sodium salts thereof) and the like can be listed as examples of components exhibiting sour taste. Acetic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid and the like can be listed as examples of organic acids.

[0084] Caffeine (extract), naringin, and absinth extract and the like can be listed as examples of components exhibiting bitter taste.

[0085] Sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium acetate, and potassium acetate and the like can be listed as examples of components exhibiting salty taste.

[0086] Sodium glutamate, sodium inosinate, and sodium guanylate and the like can be listed as examples of components exhibiting umami taste.

[0087] Tannin and persic acid and the like can be listed as examples of components exhibiting astringent taste.

[0088] There is no particular limitation on the total content of these seasoning materials, and from the viewpoint of imparting a pleasant taste, for example, the content is usually 10 ppm or greater, preferably 10,000 ppm or greater, and more preferably 50,000 ppm or greater, and is usually 250,000 ppm or less, preferably 200,000 ppm or less, more preferably 150,000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 100,000 ppm or less.

[0089] Natural pigments and synthetic pigments and the like can be listed as examples of coloring agents. Caramel, turmeric, red kojic rice, gardenia, safflower, carotene, marigold, and bixin and the like can be listed as examples of natural pigments. Tar color and titanium dioxide and the like can be listed as examples of synthetic pigments.

[0090] Lipids (refined wax, natural wax, glycerin, medium-chain fatty acid triglyceride, and fatty acid (short-chain, medium-chain, and long-chain fatty acid)) and polyhydric alcohol (glycerin and polyethylene glycol) and the like can be listed as examples of humectants.

[0091] Acetic acid, benzoic acid, propionic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, sorbic acid, tartaric acid (and salts thereof), and nisin and the like can be listed as examples of preservatives.

[0092] Equilibrium moisture percentage

[0093] The equilibrium moisture percentage of the roll sheet is preferably 9% or less, more preferably 7% or less, and most preferably 5% or less. The lower limit of the equilibrium moisture percentage can be set to be greater than 0%, 1% or greater, or 2% or greater. The numerical ranges given above for the equilibrium moisture percentage can be combined in any manner. In particular, when a roll sheet having a low equilibrium moisture percentage is used in a tobacco filler material of a heat-not-burn smoking article, the heat for evaporating water intake during heating can be reduced, and as a result, an aerosol can be efficiently generated.

[0094] The equilibrium moisture percentage of the roll sheet can be measured according to the procedure and method disclosed under "Equilibrium moisture percentage" in the "Evaluation of roll sheet" section of "Example 1" to be described later.

[0095] 2. Method for producing a roll sheet

[0096] The method for producing a roll sheet according to the present application is the method for producing a roll sheet disclosed in Section 1 above, which comprises a step of preparing a composition comprising calcium carbonate; and a step of roll-pressing the composition and then drying.

[0097] The step of preparing the composition can further comprise a step of mixing the calcium carbonate with components including a plant material such as a tobacco material, a reinforcing material, a thickening agent, a humectant, an aerosol generation source, a flavoring material, a coloring agent, a wetting agent, a preservative, or a combination of two or more thereof. The calcium carbonate and the above components disclosed in Section 1 above can be used.

[0098] The step of preparing the composition can further comprise a step of adding a medium. There is no particular limitation on such a medium, and it can include or consist of water, an alcohol or an emulsifier, etc., or a mixture of two or more thereof. Among these media, water is preferred. The mixture can be uniformly dispersed by using water.

[0099] The step of preparing the composition can further comprise a step of pulverizing the material.

[0100] The step of preparing the composition can further comprise a step of mixing a liquid material into the above material.

[0101] As the method for producing the roll sheet of the present application, a roll-pressing process can be employed.

[0102] Method for forming a roll sheet (roll-pressing process)

[0103] A method including, for example, the following steps can be cited as the method for forming a roll sheet by a roll-pressing process. The following steps can be employed individually or in combination of two or more steps.

[0104] (1) a step of mixing calcium carbonate with crushed raw material to obtain a mixture (homogenization step).

[0105] (2) a step of introducing the mixture between a plurality of roll press rollers to perform roll pressing.

[0106] (3) a step of peeling a roll-pressed product from the roll press rollers with a doctor blade, feeding the product to a mesh conveyor, and drying the product in a dryer; or a step of directly feeding the roll-pressed product from one or a plurality of pairs of roll press rollers to a mesh conveyor, and drying the product in a dryer.

[0107] When a roll-pressed sheet is formed by this method, the surface of the roll press rollers can be heated or cooled and the rotation speed of each roll press roller is adjusted according to the intended purpose. Adjusting the distance between the roll press rollers will also allow a roll-pressed sheet having a desired basis weight to be obtained.

[0108] The shape of the roll-pressed sheet can be adjusted as appropriate, but in one mode, the thickness is 50-500 μm. The roll-pressed sheet can be cut to produce cut threads or strands. In addition, the roll-pressed sheet can also be wound to produce a roll shape. Furthermore, the roll-pressed sheet can be crushed to produce a powder.

[0109] 3. Tobacco filler and smoking article

[0110] The tobacco filler of the present application includes the above-described roll-pressed sheet.

[0111] In addition, the smoking article of the present application includes the above-described tobacco filler.

[0112] The smoking article of the present application can be a combustible smoking article or a heat-not-burn smoking article.

[0113] The calcium carbonate content of the roll-pressed sheet of the present application can be freely controlled between a low content and a high content while maintaining a uniformly mixed state. The combustible smoking article can have a higher calcium carbonate content to the extent that an aerosol generating source is not required, thereby enabling the features of the roll-pressed sheet of the present application to be better utilized.

[0114] The "smoking article" in the present application means an inhalation article for a user to experience a flavor by inhalation. The smoking article can be broadly classified into a combustible smoking article (typically, a conventional cigarette) and a heat-not-burn smoking article.

[0115] Examples of the combustible smoking article that can be cited include a cigarette, a pipe, an Oriental pipe, a cigar, and a cigarillo, etc.

[0116] A heat-not-burn smoking article (a heating-type smoking article) can be heated by a heating device separate from the article or by a heating device integrated with the article. In the former type of smoking article (separate heating device), the heat-not-burn smoking article and the heating device are also collectively referred to as a "heat-not-burn smoking system". Examples of heat-not-burn smoking systems will be described below with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0117] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing an example of a heat-not-burn smoking system, which shows a state before a heater 12 is inserted into a smoking segment 20A of a heat-not-burn smoking article 20. During use, the heater 12 is inserted into the smoking segment 20A. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heat-not-burn smoking article 20.

[0118] As shown in Figure 1 , the heat-not-burn smoking system includes the heat-not-burn smoking article 20 and the heating device 10 that heats the smoking segment 20A from the inside. However, the heat-not-burn smoking system is not limited to the configuration in Figure 1 .

[0119] Figure 1 The heating device 10 shown in may include a body 11 and the heater 12. The body 11 can include a battery cell and a control unit, although these units are not shown. The heater 12 can be a heater that employs electrical resistance, and is inserted into the smoking segment 20A so as to heat the smoking segment 20A.

[0120] In Figure 1 , the smoking segment 20A is heated from the inside, but the heat-not-burn smoking article 20 is not limited to this form, and the smoking segment 20A is heated from the outside in other forms.

[0121] There is no particular limitation on the heating temperature generated by the heating device 10, and the temperature is preferably 400°C or lower, more preferably 50°C to 400°C, and even more preferably 150°C to 350°C. The heating temperature refers to the temperature of the heater 12 of the heating device 10. There is no particular limitation on the method of heating by the heating device, and the heating device can employ induction heating or microwave heating, etc. in addition to the heating generated by the above-described heater.

[0122] As shown in Figure 2As shown, the heat-not-burn smoking article 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as "smoking article 20") has a cylindrical shape. The circumferential length of the smoking article 20 is preferably 16 mm to 27 mm, more preferably 20 mm to 26 mm, and even more preferably 21 mm to 25 mm. The total length (horizontal length) of the smoking article 20 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 40 mm to 90 mm, more preferably 50 mm to 75 mm, and even more preferably 50 mm to 60 mm.

[0123] The smoking article 20 includes a smoking segment 20A, a filter portion 20C constituting a mouthpiece, and a connecting portion 20B connecting the smoking segment and the filter portion.

[0124] The smoking segment 20A is cylindrical, and its total length (axial length) is, for example, preferably 5 to 100 mm, more preferably 10 to 50 mm, and even more preferably 10 to 25 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the smoking segment 20A is not particularly limited, but it can be, for example, circular, elliptical, or polygonal, or the like.

[0125] The smoking segment 20A includes a smoking segment sheet or a material derived therefrom 21, and a wrapper 22 wrapped around the outer periphery thereof.

[0126] The filter portion 20C is cylindrical. The filter portion 20C has a rod-shaped first segment 25 filled with cellulose acetate fibers and a rod-shaped second segment 26 similarly filled with cellulose acetate fibers. The first segment 25 is located on the smoking segment 20A side. The first segment 25 can have a hollow portion. The second segment 26 is located on the mouthpiece side. The second segment 26 is solid. The first segment 25 includes a first filler layer (cellulose acetate fibers) 25a and an inner rod wrapper 25b wrapped around the first filler layer 25a. The second segment 26 includes a second filler layer (cellulose acetate fibers) 26a and an inner rod wrapper 26b wrapped around the second filler layer 26a. The first segment 25 and the second segment 26 are connected by an outer rod wrapper 27. The outer rod wrapper 27 is adhered to the first segment 25 and the second segment 26 by an ethylene-vinyl acetate emulsion-based adhesive or the like.

[0127] The length of the filter portion 20C can be, for example, 10 to 30 mm, the length of the connecting portion 20B can be, for example, 10 to 30 mm, the length of the first segment 25 can be, for example, 5 to 15 mm, and the length of the second segment 26 can be, for example, 5 to 15 mm. The lengths of the individual segments are examples, and can be appropriately changed depending on the manufacturability of the smoking segment 20A, the desired quality and length, and the like.

[0128] For example, the first segment 25 (a center hole segment) includes a first filler layer 25a having one or more hollow portions and an inner rod wrapper 25b covering the first filler layer 25a. The first segment 25 has a function of increasing the strength of the second segment 26. For example, the first filler layer 25a of the first segment 25 is filled with cellulose acetate fibers having a high density. The cellulose acetate fibers are solidified by adding, for example, 6 mass% - 20 mass% of a plasticizer containing triacetin to the mass of cellulose acetate. The hollow portions of the first segment 25 have, for example, an inner diameter of φ 1.0 - φ 5.0 mm.

[0129] For example, the first filler layer 25a of the first segment 25 can be formed to have a relatively high fiber packing density, or can have a fiber packing density comparable to that of the second filler layer 26a. Thus, when the user puffs, air and aerosol will flow only through the hollow portions, and almost no air or aerosol will flow through the first filler layer 25a. If it is desired to reduce the reduction of aerosol components caused by filtration in the second segment 26, for example, the second segment 26 can be shortened, and the first segment 25 can also be lengthened proportionally.

[0130] Replacing the shortened second segment 26 with the first segment 25 effectively increases the amount of aerosol components delivered. The first filler layer 25a of the first segment 25 is a fiber filler layer, and thus the user will hardly feel discomfort when touching the outside during use.

[0131] The second segment 26 includes a second filler layer 26a and an inner rod wrapper 26b covering the second filler layer 26a. The second segment 26 (a filter segment) is filled with cellulose acetate fibers at a typical density and has a typical aerosol component filtration performance.

[0132] The filtration performance in filtering aerosol (mainstream smoke) released from the smoking segment 20A can be different between the first segment 25 and the second segment 26. The first segment 25 and / or the second segment 26 can contain a flavoring agent. The filter portion 20C can have any structure, and it can be a structure having, for example, a plurality of segments as described above, or can consist of a single segment. The filter portion 20C can consist of one segment. In this case, the filter portion 20C can consist of a first segment or a second segment.

[0133] The connecting portion 20B has a cylindrical shape. The connecting portion 20B includes a paper tube 23 made of paperboard or the like, which is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The connecting portion 20B can be filled with a cooling member for cooling an aerosol. As the cooling member, a sheet of a polymer such as polylactic acid can be cited, and this sheet can be folded before being used as a filler. A support for limiting the shift of the position of the smoking segment 20A can further be provided between the smoking segment 20A and the connecting portion 20B. The support can be formed of a well-known material such as a center hole filter, like the first segment 25.

[0134] The wrapper 28 is wrapped in a cylindrical shape around the outside of the smoking segment 20A, the connecting portion 20B, and the filter portion 20C to connect these components as a single piece. The entire surface or substantially the entire surface of one face (inner face) of the wrapper 28, except in the vicinity of the ventilation hole portion 24, is coated with an adhesive based on a vinyl acetate emulsion. After the smoking segment 20A, the connecting portion 20B, and the filter portion 20C have been formed as a single piece by the wrapper 28, the plurality of ventilation hole portions 24 are formed from the outside by laser processing.

[0135] The ventilation hole portion 24 includes two or more through holes that penetrate the connecting portion 20B in the thickness direction. The two or more through holes are formed in a radial arrangement, as seen on the extension line of the central axis of the smoking article 20. In the present embodiment, the ventilation hole portion 24 is provided in the connecting portion 20B, but it can also be provided in the filter portion 20C. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the two or more through holes that constitute the ventilation hole portion 24 are provided in a single row at a fixed pitch on one ring, but they can also be provided in two rows at a fixed pitch on two rings, or one or two rows of ventilation hole portions 24 can be provided in a discontinuous or irregular arrangement. When the user sucks while holding the mouthpiece in his mouth, external air is brought into the mainstream smoke through the ventilation hole portion 24. However, it is not necessary to provide the ventilation hole portion 24.

[0136] Examples

[0137] The present application will be described experimentally by the following examples, but the following description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present application to those examples.

[0138] Raw materials

[0139] The raw materials used in the present example are as follows.

[0140] Calcium carbonate: PCX-700 (manufactured by Shiraishi Kogyo Kaisha, Ltd., particle size (D50) 3.5 μm)

[0141] Tobacco powder: yellow variety, particle size (D50) 300 μm

[0142] Midrib powder: yellow variety, particle size (D50) 300 μm

[0143] Aerosol generating source: glycerin

[0144] Reinforcing material: fiber pulp (CANFOR PULP, dry fibrillated product, manufactured by Canfor Corp.)

[0145] Thickening agent: corn starch (corn alpha-Y, manufactured by Sanwa Starch Co., Ltd.), guar gum (Grindsted Guar 175, manufactured by DuPont Danisco)

[0146] Preparation of rolled sheet

[0147] Example 1

[0148] The raw materials were introduced into a mixer (SUPER MIXER, SMV-20A, manufactured by Kawata Mfg. Co., Ltd.) to achieve the contents (% D.B. (dry basis), weight percentage of solids) of the raw materials shown in Table 1, and then the raw materials were stirred for 2 minutes to obtain a mixture. The resulting mixture was kneaded by two pairs of metal rollers (roll pressure: 6.35 MPa, roll gap: 0.1 mm, calender roll (manufactured by YURIROLL Co., Ltd.)) with application of shear force to obtain a kneaded material.

[0149] The kneaded material obtained in the above-described manner was again applied to two pairs of metal rollers and shaped into a sheet, and then the sheet was dried in a circulating hot air oven at 90°C for 5 minutes to produce a rolled sheet of Example 1 (thickness: 0.2 mm, width: 250 mm).

[0150] Examples 2-5 and Comparative Examples

[0151] The rolled sheets (thickness: 0.2 mm, width: 250 mm) of Examples 2-5 and Comparative Examples were produced in the same manner as in Example 1 described above, except that the contents of the raw materials were changed as shown in Table 1.

[0152] Table 1

[0153]

[0154] Evaluation of rolled sheet

[0155] The rolled sheet materials of Example 2 and Example 5 and the comparative example obtained in the above-described manner were evaluated as follows.

[0156] Equilibrium moisture percentage

[0157] The equilibrium moisture percentage of each rolled sheet material was calculated. Specifically, the rolled sheet material was cut to a width of 0.8 mm to obtain cut strands. The resulting cut strands were stored in an air-conditioned room at a relative humidity of 60% for 48 hours so as to condition the cut strands, and the weight of the cut strands after conditioning (before drying) was measured. The conditioned cut strands were introduced into a rotary dryer at 100°C and dried for 1 hour, and then the weight of the cut strands after drying was measured. The equilibrium moisture percentage (% WB) was then calculated using the following formula.

[0158] Equilibrium moisture percentage = (Wa - Wb) / Wa x 100

[0159] Wa: weight of cut strands after conditioning (before drying)

[0160] Wb: weight of cut strands after drying

[0161] Table 2

[0162] Table 2

[0163]

[0164] Example 2 Example 5 Comparative example

[0165] Equilibrium moisture percentage

[0166] [% WB] 6.0 2.5 10.1

[0167] As can be seen from Table 2, the rolled sheet materials of Example 2 and Example 5 containing calcium carbonate have a lower equilibrium moisture percentage than the rolled sheet material of the comparative example not containing calcium carbonate. In particular, when a rolled sheet material having a low equilibrium moisture percentage is used in a tobacco filler material of a heat-not-burn smoking article, the heat taken up to evaporate water during heating can be reduced, and as a result, an aerosol can be efficiently generated. In this regard, the rolled sheet materials of Example 2 and Example 5 are superior to the rolled sheet material of the comparative example.

[0168] Accordingly, the present application enables the production of a rolled sheet material that maintains a low production cost and has good thermal conductivity by using a rolling method and also by mixing calcium carbonate as a raw material.

[0169] List of reference signs

[0170] 10 heating device

[0171] 11 body

[0172] 12 heater

[0173] 20 heat-not-burn smoking article

[0174] 20A smoking segment

[0175] 20B connecting portion

[0176] 20C filter portion

[0177] 21 smoking composition sheet or material derived therefrom

[0178] 22 wrapper

[0179] 23 paper tube

[0180] 24 ventilation hole portion

[0181] 25 first segment

[0182] 25a first filler layer

[0183] 25b inner rod wrapper

[0184] 26 second segment

[0185] 26a second filler layer

[0186] 26b inner rod wrapper

[0187] 27 outer rod wrapper

[0188] 28 wrapper

Claims

1. A roll-formed sheet comprising calcium carbonate.

2. The roll-pressed sheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the particle size (D50) of the calcium carbonate is 0.07-80 µm.

3. The roll-formed sheet as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the content of calcium carbonate in the roll-formed sheet is 1 wt%-80 wt%.

4. The rolled sheet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rolled sheet further comprises tobacco raw material.

5. The rolled sheet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rolled sheet further comprises a reinforcing material.

6. The rolled sheet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rolled sheet further comprises a thickener.

7. The rolled sheet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rolled sheet further comprises a wetting agent.

8. The rolled sheet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rolled sheet further comprises an aerosol generation source.

9. The rolled sheet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rolled sheet further comprises a flavoring agent, a colorant, a wetting agent, a preservative, or a combination thereof.

10. A tobacco filling material comprising a rolled sheet as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A smoking article comprising the tobacco filling material as described in claim 10.

12. The smoking article as claimed in claim 11, wherein the smoking article is a combustible smoking article.

13. The smoking article as claimed in claim 11, wherein the smoking article is a heated non-combustible smoking article.

14. A method for producing a roll-formed sheet as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: Steps for preparing a composition containing calcium carbonate; The composition is then rolled and dried.

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