Reconstruction tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method

Abstract

This device for manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco sheet comprises a die that discharges a reconstituted tobacco raw material. The die has a housing, a supply port through which the reconstituted tobacco raw material is supplied and which is formed in the housing, and a discharge port through which the reconstituted tobacco raw material is discharged and which is formed in one side surface of the housing. The device for manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco sheet furthermore comprises a state detection unit that detects the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material inside the die or the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die, and a control unit that controls the operation of the device for manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco sheet. The state detection unit outputs, to the control unit, an electric signal that corresponds to the result of detection of the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco sheet.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as methods for manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco sheet, a rolling method, a casting (slurry) method, and a papermaking method are known. These manufacturing methods are selected according to the amount of moisture contained in the reconstituted tobacco raw material. Also, each of these manufacturing methods is realized by a different apparatus for manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco sheet.

[0003] The rolling method is known to be particularly suitable for a reconstituted tobacco raw material containing 50% by volume or less of moisture. In the rolling method, a kneaded product of the reconstituted tobacco raw material is roll-formed by a rotating roller, its thickness is adjusted, and then it is dried by a separately provided dryer.

[0004] The casting (slurry) method is known to be particularly suitable for a reconstituted tobacco raw material containing 50% by volume or more of moisture. In the casting (slurry) method, a fluid of the reconstituted tobacco raw material is continuously spread on a rotating drum or a belt conveyor, leveled to a desired thickness by a member called a blade, then peeled off from the rotating drum or the belt conveyor, and dried by a separately provided dryer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] The papermaking method is known to be particularly suitable for a reconstituted tobacco raw material containing 80% by volume or more of moisture. In the papermaking method, a fluid of the reconstituted tobacco raw material is continuously spread on a liquid-permeable belt conveyor, moisture is removed by a squeezing roller and it is made to a desired thickness, and then it is dried by a separately provided dryer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing apparatus and method for a reconstituted tobacco sheet that can produce a reconstituted tobacco sheet of uniform thickness through a simple manufacturing process, regardless of the moisture content contained in the reconstituted tobacco raw material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a recombination tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus is provided. This recombination tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a die for dispensing recombination tobacco raw material, the die having a housing, a supply port formed in the housing for supplying the recombination tobacco raw material, and a discharge port formed on one side of the housing for dispensing the recombination tobacco raw material, and further comprising a state detection unit for detecting the state of the recombination tobacco raw material inside the die or the state of the recombination tobacco raw material discharged from the die, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the recombination tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus, the state detection unit outputting an electrical signal to the control unit according to the detection result of the state of the recombination tobacco raw material. With this, a recombination tobacco sheet of uniform thickness can be obtained in a simple manufacturing process, regardless of the amount of moisture contained in the recombination tobacco raw material.

[0009] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the first embodiment further comprises an actuator for changing the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material, and the control unit controls the actuator based on an electrical signal from the state detection unit. This makes it possible to change the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material.

[0010] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, in the second embodiment, the die has a variable width mechanism as an actuator that can change the widthwise length of the discharge port, a state detection unit detects the thickness of the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die and outputs an electrical signal to the control unit according to the detection result, and the control unit controls the variable width mechanism based on the electrical signal from the state detection unit and changes the widthwise length of the discharge port. This makes it possible to adjust the thickness of the reconstituted tobacco sheet to a desired thickness.

[0011] According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the second or third embodiment, an extruder is further provided for pressurizing the reconstituted tobacco material into the die, and the state detection unit detects at least one of the discharge pressure of the reconstituted tobacco material inside the die and the flow rate of the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die, and outputs an electrical signal to the control unit according to the detection result. This makes it possible to change the state of the reconstituted tobacco material based on at least one of the discharge pressure of the reconstituted tobacco material inside the die and the flow rate of the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die.

[0012] According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the fourth embodiment, the extruder has a screw rotatably disposed within the housing as an actuator, and the control unit controls the rotation of the screw based on an electrical signal from the state detection unit, thereby changing the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die. This makes it possible to maintain a constant discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco sheet discharged from the die.

[0013] According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in any of the second to fifth embodiments, a drum is further provided for drying and conveying the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die, and an auxiliary drying device is provided as an actuator, which is positioned opposite the drum and dries the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die, and a state detection unit detects the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco material dried by the drum and the auxiliary drying device and outputs an electrical signal to the control unit according to the detection result. With this, the state of the reconstituted tobacco material can be changed based on the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco material dried by the drum and the auxiliary drying device.

[0014] According to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, in the sixth embodiment, the control unit controls the auxiliary drying device based on an electrical signal from the state detection unit, and changes the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco raw material being dried by the drum and the auxiliary drying device. This makes it possible to maintain the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco sheet being dried by the drum and the auxiliary drying device within a certain range.

[0015] According to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco sheet is provided. This method for manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco sheet includes the steps of: supplying reconstituted tobacco raw material to the supply port of a die; forming and discharging the reconstituted tobacco raw material into a sheet from the discharge port of the die; detecting the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material inside the die or the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die; and outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the detected state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material. With this method, a reconstituted tobacco sheet of uniform thickness can be obtained with a simple manufacturing process, regardless of the amount of moisture contained in the reconstituted tobacco raw material.

[0016] According to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the eighth embodiment further comprises a step of controlling an actuator that changes the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material based on an output electrical signal, thereby changing the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material. This makes it possible to change the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing an extruder in a manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the die of a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstituted tobacco sheet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow VV shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] It is a side view of the die shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the discharge port side. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a side view of the die of the manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the discharge port side. [Figure 10] It is a side view of the die of the manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the discharge port side. [Figure 11] It is a side view of another die of the manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the discharge port side. [Figure 12] It is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a block diagram showing the opening width control in the manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a block diagram showing the discharge speed control in the manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstructed tobacco sheet according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a block diagram showing the hot air temperature control in a manufacturing apparatus for reconstructed tobacco sheets according to the 14th embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0019] First embodiment: Figure 1 is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstituted tobacco sheet according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, the manufacturing apparatus 100 for a reconstituted tobacco sheet includes an extruder 10, a die 20, a drum dryer (main drum) 30, a scraper 40, and rollers 51 and 52. The drum dryer 30 has a shaft 31 and a drum body 32.

[0020] The extruder 10 pumps the reconstituted tobacco material supplied from a tank (not shown) or the like to the die 20. The die 20 discharges the reconstituted tobacco material supplied from the extruder 10, thereby forming the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 onto the drum body 32 of the drum dryer 30. The drum dryer 30 dries and transports the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 formed on the drum body 32. The scraper 40 peels the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 dried in the drum dryer 30 from the drum body 32. Rollers 51 and 52 guide the transport of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 peeled off by the scraper 40.

[0021] Here, "reconstituted tobacco ingredients" refers to a mixture containing at least one substance selected from polysaccharides (such as starch or dextrin), water or alcohol (such as ethanol or propylene glycol) or at least one substance of its own choosing as a liquid medium, and finely chopped or finely ground tobacco plants. Note that reconstituted tobacco ingredients are not limited to those described above and may contain other substances.

[0022] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram showing the extruder of a manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III shown in Figure 2. In Figures 2 and 3, the extruder 10 has a housing 11, a supply port 12 formed at one end of the housing 11, an extrusion port 13 formed at the other end of the housing 11, and a screw 14 rotatably disposed within the housing 11.

[0023] The reconstituted tobacco raw material, supplied to the extruder 10 from a tank or the like via the supply port 12, is kneaded by the rotation of the screw 14 and sent to the extrusion port 13, from where it is pumped to the die 20. Here, the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 discharged from the die 20 is determined according to the rotation speed of the screw 14.

[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the die of a recombination tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a side view of the die shown in Figure 4, viewed from the discharge port side. In Figures 4 to 6, the die 20 has a housing 23 consisting of a first block 21 and a second block 22, a supply port 24 formed in the first block 21 and communicating with the extrusion port 13 of the extruder 10, a manifold 25 formed between the first block 21 and the second block 22 where the recombination tobacco raw material is stored, and a discharge port 26 communicating with the manifold 25.

[0025] The discharge port 26 is formed in the shape of a slit on one side of the housing 23. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 26 is defined as the width direction of the discharge port 26. The length in the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 26 is referred to as the opening length, and the length in the width direction of the discharge port 26 is referred to as the opening width. The discharge port 26 may be a hole or a groove. Due to the slit-shaped discharge port 26, the reconstituted tobacco material is adjusted to a uniform thickness corresponding to the opening width of the discharge port 26 when discharged from the die 20, regardless of the amount of moisture contained in the reconstituted tobacco material, and is formed into a sheet and extruded.

[0026] The reconstituted tobacco raw material, supplied from the extruder 10 to the die 20 via the supply port 24, is sent through the manifold 25 to the discharge port 26, and is discharged from the discharge port 26 as a reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 onto the drum body 32.

[0027] Returning to Figure 1, the drum dryer 30 has an axis 31 and a drum body 32 that rotates around the axis 31. The drum body 32 dries the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 by, for example, steam sent into the drum body 32. The drum body 32 may also be heated by a heater or the like.

[0028] The scraper 40 is positioned opposite the drum body 32 along its entire width, perpendicular to the drum body 32's rotational direction, and is adjusted so that its tip contacts or is in close proximity to the drum body 32. The scraper 40 is positioned near the downstream end of the drum body 32 in the direction of rotation so that the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 discharged upstream of the drum body 32 in the direction of rotation is sufficiently dried.

[0029] The reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 discharged from the discharge port 26 of the die 20 onto the drum body 32 is dried by the drum body 32 into which vapor is supplied. The dried reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 is then peeled off by the scraper 40 and passed on to the next process. The next process is, for example, the process of cutting the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 to a desired width, or the process of winding the cut reconstituted tobacco sheet onto a bobbin.

[0030] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the recombination tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus comprises a die for discharging recombination tobacco raw material and a main drum for drying and conveying the recombination tobacco raw material discharged from the die. The die has a housing, a supply port formed in the housing for supplying the recombination tobacco raw material, and a discharge port formed on one side of the housing for discharging the recombination tobacco raw material. Therefore, regardless of the moisture content of the recombination tobacco raw material, a recombination tobacco sheet of uniform thickness can be obtained through a simple manufacturing process.

[0031] Second embodiment: Figure 7 is a plan view showing a manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 7, the manufacturing apparatus 100A for reconstituted tobacco sheets is equipped with X extruders 10A to 10X and X dies 20A to 20X instead of the extruder 10 and die 20 shown in Figure 1. Note that X can be 2 or more. Alternatively, X dies 20A to 20X may be connected to one extruder 10. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0032] Extruders 10A to 10X are each connected to dies 20A to 20X. Dies 20A to 20X are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 26. Extruders 10A to 10X pump the reconstituted tobacco raw material supplied from a tank (not shown) or the like to dies 20A to 20X. Dies 20A to 20X discharge the reconstituted tobacco raw material supplied from extruders 10A to 10X onto the drum body 32.

[0033] Here, by adjusting the opening length of the discharge port 26 of dies 20A to 20X to match the width of the bobbin from which the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 is wound in the subsequent process described above, the process of cutting the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 to the desired width in the subsequent process described above becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, by making the opening widths of dies 20A to 20X different from each other, it is possible to manufacture reconstructed tobacco sheets 1 of multiple thicknesses with a single drum dryer 30.

[0034] Furthermore, by making the composition of the reconstituted tobacco raw materials supplied to each of the extruders 10A to 10X different, multiple types of reconstituted tobacco sheets 1 can be manufactured with a single drum dryer 30. In addition, by selectively driving sets of extruders 10A to 10X and dies 20A to 20X, the manufacturing capacity of the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100A can be easily adjusted.

[0035] As described above, according to the second embodiment, multiple dies are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port. Therefore, the step of cutting the resulting reconstructed tobacco sheet to a desired width can be omitted.

[0036] Third embodiment: In the first embodiment described above, the opening width of the discharge port 26 of the die 20 was kept constant. However, in the reconstructed tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the die 20 has a variable width mechanism (not shown) that can change the opening width of the discharge port 26. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0037] The variable width mechanism is, for example, a screw. The variable width mechanism changes the opening width of the discharge port 26 by adjusting the gap between the first block 21 and the second block 22 shown in Figure 6 according to the amount the screw is tightened. Multiple screws may be provided, and the opening width of the discharge port 26 may be different at the longitudinal ends and in the center of the discharge port 26. If the opening length of the discharge port 26 is larger than the opening width of the discharge port 26, the discharge state will differ in the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 26. As mentioned above, having multiple variable width mechanisms in the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 26 is preferable for adjusting the state of the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 in the width direction. The variable width mechanism may also have an actuator such as a motor to drive the screw. By using a variable width mechanism, the thickness of the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 can be easily changed.

[0038] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the die has a variable width mechanism that can change the widthwise length of the discharge port. Therefore, multiple thicknesses of reconstructed tobacco sheets can be obtained without changing the die. Furthermore, by changing the opening width of the discharge port so that the flow velocity of the reconstructed tobacco raw material at the discharge port of the die is uniform in the longitudinal direction of the discharge port, the occurrence of wrinkles can be suppressed and the reconstructed tobacco sheet can be formed flat.

[0039] Fourth embodiment: Figure 8 is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a reconstituted tobacco sheet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 8, the manufacturing apparatus 100B for a reconstituted tobacco sheet is equipped with three extruders 61-63 and a die 70, instead of the extruder 10 and die 20 shown in Figure 1. Note that the number of extruders is not limited to three, but can be two or more. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0040] Extruders 61-63 are connected to the die 70. Raw materials are supplied to each of the extruders 61-63 from tanks or the like (not shown). At least one of the raw materials supplied to extruders 61-63 contains reconstituted tobacco raw material. The raw materials supplied to extruders 61-63 may be different from each other or may contain the same raw material. Extruders 61-63 use screws or the like (not shown) to pressurize the supplied raw materials to the die 70.

[0041] The die 70 has multiple supply ports 71 to 73, each supplied with multiple raw materials from the extruders 61 to 63, and a discharge port 74 formed in the shape of a slit on one side of the die 70. The die 70 spreads the raw materials supplied from the extruders 61 to 63 through the supply ports 71 to 73 in manifolds (not shown), then merges them near the discharge port 74 to discharge the stacked reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 onto the drum body 32. The die 70 may also merge multiple raw materials in the manifold.

[0042] Here, multiple raw materials are discharged in layers from the discharge port 74 of the die 70, allowing for multilayering without the need to bond sheets with different properties together. Therefore, the sheet bonding process can be omitted, and a reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 with a simple multilayer structure can be obtained. Furthermore, by multilayering the sheets before drying the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 in the drum dryer 30, the adhesion of each layer can be strengthened. In addition, by incorporating a sheet with reduced stickiness into the multilayered sheet, the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 can be easily wound onto and unwound from the bobbin without the need for dusting powder or release paper.

[0043] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the die has multiple supply ports to which multiple raw materials are supplied, and the multiple raw materials are discharged in layers from the discharge port. Therefore, the process of bonding multiple sheets together can be omitted.

[0044] Fifth embodiment: Figure 9 is a side view of the die of a recombination tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the discharge port side. In Figure 9, the die 20 further has partitions 27 that divide the discharge port 26 into multiple regions along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 26. That is, in Figure 9, the slit-shaped discharge port 26 shown in Figure 6 opens intermittently. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0045] The reconstituted tobacco material supplied from the extruder 10 to the die 20 via the supply port 24 is sent through the manifold 25 to the discharge port 26, from which it is discharged onto the drum body 32 as a reconstituted tobacco sheet 1. At this time, because the discharge port 26 is open intermittently, the discharged reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 is already formed into a strip shape. Therefore, the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 dried in the drum dryer 30 can be recovered as a strand after drying is complete.

[0046] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the die has a partition portion that divides the discharge port into multiple regions along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port. Therefore, the process of stranding the sheet can be omitted. Furthermore, in the present invention, since the shape of the discharged reconstructed tobacco sheet is stable even before drying, it is effective to use a die 20 having a partition portion 27.

[0047] Sixth embodiment: Figure 10 is a side view of the die of a reconstructed tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the discharge port side. In Figure 10, the die 20 further has at least one raised portion 28 that is oriented in the width direction of the discharge port 26 along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port 26. Here, the cross-sectional shape of the raised portion 28 may be a triangle, rectangle, sinusoidal, T-shaped, etc. That is, in Figure 10, the slit-shaped discharge port 26 shown in Figure 6 becomes an opening having two widths, with the vertex or side containing the vertex of the raised portion 28 and the bottom side of the raised portion 28. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0048] The reconstituted tobacco raw material, supplied from the extruder 10 to the die 20 via the supply port 24, is sent through the manifold 25 to the discharge port 26 and discharged from the discharge port 26 onto the drum body 32 as a reconstituted tobacco sheet 1. At this time, since the discharge port 26 is provided with a raised portion 28, the discharged reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 already has ridges formed in the cross-sectional shape corresponding to the raised portion 28. Therefore, the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 dried in the drum dryer 30 can be recovered as a reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 with ridges already formed after drying is complete.

[0049] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the die has at least one raised portion that faces the width direction of the discharge port along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port. Therefore, surface processing (e.g., embossing) that increases the surface area per unit weight of the reconstructed tobacco sheet can be performed without having to perform the process of passing the reconstructed tobacco sheet between a pair of rollers and pressing it into a zigzag or wave shape, as was done with conventional reconstructed tobacco sheets. Furthermore, in the present invention, since the shape of the discharged reconstructed tobacco sheet is stable even before drying, it is effective to use a die 20 having the raised portion 28.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, when the raised portion 28 is T-shaped, the ridges formed on the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 will spread out within the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1. Such a surface shape cannot be obtained by pressing the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 with a roller, but can only be obtained by using the die 20 shown in the sixth embodiment.

[0051] Seventh embodiment: Figure 12 is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 12, the manufacturing apparatus 100C for reconstituted tobacco sheets includes a drum dryer (sub-drum) 35 and a scraper 45 in addition to the manufacturing apparatus 100 for reconstituted tobacco sheets shown in Figure 1. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0052] The drum dryer 35 is positioned downstream of the drum dryer 30 and is used in combination with the drum dryer 30. The drum dryer 35 has an axis 36 and a drum body 37 that rotates around the axis 36. The drum body 37 is heated, for example, by steam that is fed into the drum body 37. The drum body 37 may also be heated by a heater or the like. Furthermore, the drum dryer 30 and the drum dryer 35 are configured to allow for independent temperature control of each.

[0053] The drum dryer 35 receives the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 that has been dried in the drum dryer 30 and peeled off by the scraper 40, and further dries and transports the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1. The scraper 45 peels the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 that has been dried in the drum dryer 35 from the drum body 37.

[0054] By using drum dryers 30 and 35, the drying distance of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 can be extended, thereby improving the drying capacity of the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100C. This allows for the use of reconstituted tobacco raw materials with high moisture content.

[0055] Furthermore, comparing the case of using two drum dryers with equal drum diameters for the same drying distance with the case of using one drum dryer, when using two drum dryers, the diameter of each drum can be halved compared to the diameter of one drum dryer. In other words, the total volume of the two drum dryers can be halved compared to one drum dryer. Therefore, when using two drum dryers, the required thermal energy can be halved compared to when using one drum dryer.

[0056] As described above, the seventh embodiment further includes a sub-drum used in combination with the main drum, the sub-drum being positioned downstream of the main drum, receiving the reconstituted tobacco material conveyed by the main drum and further conveying it. Therefore, while extending the conveying distance of the reconstituted tobacco material, further processing can be applied to the reconstituted tobacco material that is dried and conveyed by the main drum. In the seventh embodiment, the sub-drum is a drum dryer, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and the sub-drum may be a cooling drum that cools the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 dried by the drum dryer 30.

[0057] Eighth embodiment: Figure 13 is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 13, the manufacturing apparatus 100D for reconstituted tobacco sheets includes a drum dryer (sub-drum) 35 in addition to the manufacturing apparatus 100 for reconstituted tobacco sheets shown in Figure 1. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0058] The drum dryer 35 is positioned opposite the drum dryer 30 and is used in combination with the drum dryer 30. The drum dryer 35 has a shaft 36 and a drum body 37 that rotates around the shaft 36. The shaft 36 is configured so that the gap between the drum dryer 30 and the drum dryer 35 can be arbitrarily adjusted by a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0059] The drum body 37 is heated, for example, by steam supplied into the drum body 37. The drum body 37 may also be heated by a heater or the like. Furthermore, the drum dryer 30 and drum dryer 35 are configured to allow for independent temperature control.

[0060] The drum dryer 35 works in cooperation with the drum dryer 30 to dry and transport the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 formed on the drum body 32. The reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 transported by the drum dryers 30 and 35 is compressed as it passes through the gap between the drum dryers 30 and 35.

[0061] Here, by compressing the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 with drum dryer 30 and drum dryer 35, the density of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 can be increased compared to when it was extruded from die 20 due to the compaction effect of drum dryer 30 and drum dryer 35. In addition, by adjusting the gap between drum dryer 30 and drum dryer 35, the thickness of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 that passes through the gap between drum dryer 30 and drum dryer 35 can be controlled.

[0062] Furthermore, by passing the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 through the gap between the drum dryer 30 and the drum dryer 35, the compaction effect of the drum dryer 30 and the drum dryer 35 eliminates wrinkles and other imperfections that occur in the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 due to the distribution of the discharge speed during discharge from the die 20. In addition, by embossing the surface of the drum body 37, the surface of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 can be embossed as it passes through the gap between the drum dryer 30 and the drum dryer 35, thereby increasing the specific surface area. Note that the processing performed on the surface of the drum body 37 is not limited to embossing, but may also be slitting for cutting the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1, etc.

[0063] As described above, the eighth embodiment further includes a sub-drum used in combination with the main drum, the sub-drum being positioned opposite the main drum and cooperating with the main drum to transport the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die. Therefore, in cooperation with the main drum, further processing can be applied to the reconstituted tobacco material that is dried and transported by the main drum.

[0064] Ninth Embodiment: Figure 14 is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 14, the manufacturing apparatus 100E for reconstituted tobacco sheets includes, in addition to the manufacturing apparatus 100D for reconstituted tobacco sheets shown in Figure 13, an extruder 10 and a die 20 provided on the drum dryer 35. The other configurations are the same as those of the eighth embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0065] Raw materials are supplied to the extruder 10 located in the drum dryer 35 from a tank or the like (not shown). The raw materials supplied to the extruder 10 may or may not contain reconstituted tobacco raw materials. The extruder 10 uses a screw or the like (not shown) to pressurize the supplied raw materials to the die 20. The die 20 located in the drum dryer 35 forms the raw materials supplied from the extruder 10 into a sheet and discharges it onto the drum body 37. The sheets discharged from the die 20 located in the drum dryer 30 and the die 20 located in the drum dryer 35 are layered as they pass through the gap between the drum dryer 30 and the drum dryer 35.

[0066] Here, by passing the sheets extruded from the dies 20 provided in each of the drum dryers 30 and 35 through the gap between the drum dryers 30 and 35, it is possible to create multiple layers without bonding sheets with different properties together. Therefore, the sheet bonding process can be omitted, and a reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 can be obtained with a simple multi-layer structure. In addition, by layering the sheets before drying the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 in the drum dryers 30 and 35, the adhesion of each layer can be strengthened. Furthermore, by adjusting the gap between the drum dryers 30 and 35, the thickness of the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 that passes through the gap between the drum dryers 30 and 35 can be controlled.

[0067] As described above, the ninth embodiment further includes a sub-drum used in combination with the main drum, and a die having the same configuration as the die provided on the main drum, which discharges the material to the sub-drum. Therefore, the process of bonding multiple sheets together can be omitted.

[0068] Tenth embodiment: In the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the 10th embodiment of the present invention, the drum body 32 of the drum dryer 30 and the drum body 37 of the drum dryer 35, as shown in the first embodiment and the like, are subjected to a surface modification treatment in order to improve their properties.

[0069] Here, improvement of properties refers to improvements in wear resistance, corrosion resistance, peel / release properties, and thermal conductivity, and surface modification treatment includes chemical treatments such as plating and physical treatments such as blasting. Examples of specific properties and surface modification treatments are shown in Tables 1 to 6. As a result, the surface properties of the drum body 32 of the drum dryer 30 and the drum body 37 of the drum dryer 35 are improved, thereby improving the usability and durability of the equipment.

[0070] [Table 1]

[0071] [Table 2]

[0072] [Table 3]

[0073] [Table 4]

[0074] [Table 5]

[0075] [Table 6]

[0076] A person skilled in the art can select and apply a surface treatment appropriate to their purpose from the surface modification treatments listed in Tables 1 to 6. In Tables 1 to 6, ◎ indicates that the surface treatment can be applied regardless of the conditions of the extrusion material or equipment. In Tables 1 to 6, ○ indicates that the surface treatment can be applied if either the conditions of the extrusion material or equipment are met. In Tables 1 to 6, △ indicates that the surface treatment can be applied if both the conditions of the extrusion material and equipment are met. In Tables 1 to 6, ※ indicates that the surface treatment can be applied if the conditions of the extrusion material (temperature and viscosity) and the conditions of the equipment (temperature of the drum surface and the movement speed of the drum surface) are met. In Table 3, insulation indicates that electrolytic corrosion is less likely to occur on the surface due to insulation.

[0077] As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, the main drum is subjected to surface modification treatment. Therefore, the surface characteristics of the main drum can be improved. It should be noted that the surface modification treatment is not limited to the main drum, but may also be applied to the sub-drum.

[0078] Eleventh Embodiment: Figure 15 is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 15, the manufacturing apparatus 100F for reconstituted tobacco sheets includes a hot air blower (auxiliary drying device) 80 in addition to the manufacturing apparatus 100 for reconstituted tobacco sheets shown in Figure 1. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0079] The hot air blower 80 is positioned on the drying path of the drum dryer 30, facing the drum body 32 of the drum dryer 30. The hot air blower 80 blows hot air to dry the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 discharged onto the drum body 32 from the discharge port 26 of the die 20, starting from the surface side of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1. Here, the surface of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 is the side of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 that is not in contact with the drum body 32. The hot air blower 80 is also configured so that the drying capacity can be adjusted by specific parameters such as airflow, output, and hot air temperature. Furthermore, the hot air temperature can be set to a temperature above room temperature.

[0080] By using the hot air blower 80, the drying capacity of the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100F can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to handle reconstituted tobacco raw materials with high moisture content with a simple configuration. In addition, by using the hot air blower 80, both sides of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 can be dried simultaneously.

[0081] As described above, the 11th embodiment further includes an auxiliary drying device positioned opposite the main drum to dry the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die. Therefore, the drying capacity of the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus can be improved. In the 11th embodiment, the auxiliary drying device is a hot air blower, but it is not limited to this, and the auxiliary drying device may be an IR heater. Alternatively, instead of the auxiliary drying device, a cooling device that supplies cold air to the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 may be provided.

[0082] Twelfth Embodiment: Figure 16 is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the 12th embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 is a block diagram showing the opening width control in the manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the 12th embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 16 and 17, the manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets 100G includes a thickness detection sensor (state detection unit) 91 and a PLC (control unit) 200 in addition to the manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets 100 shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the die 20 of the manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets 100G has a variable width mechanism 92 that can change the opening width of the discharge port 26 using a motor as an actuator, as shown in the third embodiment described above. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0083] The thickness detection sensor 91 is located near the discharge port 26. The thickness detection sensor 91 uses X-rays, lasers, ultrasound, etc., to non-contactually detect the thickness of the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 discharged from the die 20, and outputs an electrical signal as the thickness measurement to the PLC (programmable logic controller) 200.

[0084] The PLC200 may be built into the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100G or may be provided separately. Based on a thickness setting value, which is the desired thickness of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1, and a thickness measurement value from the thickness detection sensor 91, the PLC200 outputs a control command to the variable width mechanism 92 and controls the motor so that the difference between the thickness setting value and the thickness measurement value becomes zero. As a result, the opening width of the discharge port 26 is changed, and the thickness of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 discharged from the die 20 changes.

[0085] When the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 is dispensed from the die 20, expansion of the sheet occurs due to pressure release, and the thickness of the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 may not match the opening width of the dispensing port 26. Therefore, by providing feedback control to the opening width of the dispensing port 26 in response to the uncontrollable element of pressure release, the thickness of the reconstructed tobacco sheet 1 can be adjusted to the desired thickness.

[0086] In other words, the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 is manufactured by a manufacturing method that includes the steps of: supplying the reconstituted tobacco raw material to the supply port 24 of the die 20; forming and discharging the reconstituted tobacco raw material into a sheet from the discharge port 26 of the die 20; detecting the state (thickness) of the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die 20; outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the detected state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material; and controlling a variable width mechanism 92, which is an actuator that changes the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material, based on the output electrical signal, thereby changing the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material.

[0087] As described above, according to the 12th embodiment, the die has a variable width mechanism as an actuator that can change the widthwise length of the discharge port, the state detection unit detects the thickness of the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die, and the control unit controls the variable width mechanism based on the detection result by the state detection unit to change the widthwise length of the discharge port. Therefore, the thickness of the reconstituted tobacco sheet can be adjusted to a desired thickness.

[0088] 13th Embodiment: Figure 18 is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the 13th embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 is a block diagram showing the discharge speed control in the manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets according to the 13th embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 18 and 19, the manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets 100H includes a flow sensor (state detection unit) 93 and a PLC (control unit) 200 in addition to the manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets 100 shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, in the manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets 100H, a screw 14 rotatably disposed within the housing 11 of the extruder 10 functions as an actuator. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0089] The flow sensor 93 is located near the discharge port 26. The flow sensor 93 uses a laser or the like to non-contactually detect the flow rate of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 discharged from the die 20 and outputs an electrical signal as the flow rate measurement to the PLC 200. Here, the flow rate measurement is used as a value to estimate the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 discharged from the die 20.

[0090] The PLC200 may be built into the recombination tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100H or it may be provided separately. Based on the flow rate set value, which is the desired flow rate of the recombination tobacco sheet 1, and the flow rate measured value from the flow rate sensor 93, the PLC200 outputs a control command to the screw 14 so that the difference between the flow rate set value and the flow rate measured value becomes zero, thereby controlling the rotation of the screw 14. This changes the discharge speed of the recombination tobacco sheet 1 discharged from the die 20.

[0091] The discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 ejected from the die 20 varies to some extent due to the undulation of the screw 14. Therefore, by feedback-controlling the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1, the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 ejected from the die 20 can be kept within a constant range. Furthermore, by keeping the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 constant, it is possible to suppress the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 from becoming loose on the drum dryer 30 or from tearing due to increased tension. In addition, by keeping the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 constant, variations in sheet thickness due to pressure release can be suppressed, and the quality of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 can be stabilized.

[0092] In other words, the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 is manufactured by a manufacturing method that includes the steps of: supplying the reconstituted tobacco raw material to the supply port 24 of the die 20; forming the reconstituted tobacco raw material into a sheet and discharging it from the discharge port 26 of the die 20; detecting the state (flow rate) of the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die 20; outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the detected state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material; and controlling a screw 14, which is an actuator that changes the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material, based on the output electrical signal, thereby changing the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material.

[0093] As described above, the 13th embodiment further includes an extruder for pressurizing the reconstituted tobacco material into the die, the extruder having a screw rotatably disposed within the housing as an actuator, the state detection unit detects at least one of the discharge pressure of the reconstituted tobacco material inside the die and the flow rate of the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die, and the control unit controls the rotation of the screw based on the detection result by the state detection unit to change the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die. As a result, the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco sheet discharged from the die can be kept constant.

[0094] In the 13th embodiment, instead of the flow sensor 93, or in addition to the flow sensor 93, a discharge pressure sensor for detecting the discharge pressure of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 discharged from the die 20 may be provided near the discharge port 26 or inside the die 20. In this case, the discharge pressure detected by the discharge pressure sensor can be used as a value for estimating the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 discharged from the die 20.

[0095] In this case, the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 is manufactured by a manufacturing method that includes the steps of: supplying the reconstituted tobacco raw material to the supply port 24 of the die 20; forming the reconstituted tobacco raw material into a sheet and discharging it from the discharge port 26 of the die 20; detecting the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material inside the die 20 (discharge pressure) or the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die 20 (flow rate); outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the detected state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material; and controlling a screw 14, which is an actuator that changes the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material, based on the output electrical signal, thereby changing the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material.

[0096] Embodiment 14: Figure 20 is a side view showing a reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the 14th embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 is a block diagram showing the hot air temperature control in the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the 14th embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 20 and 21, the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100I includes a moisture content sensor (state detection unit) 94 and a PLC (control unit) 200 in addition to the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100I has a hot air blower (auxiliary drying device) 80 as an actuator, as shown in the 11th embodiment described above. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0097] The moisture content sensor 94 is located downstream of the scraper 40. The moisture content sensor 94 uses infrared rays or microwaves to non-contactually detect the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 peeled off by the scraper 40, and outputs an electrical signal as the moisture content measurement value to the PLC 200. The hot air blower 80 is positioned on the drying path of the drum dryer 30, facing the drum body 32 of the drum dryer 30.

[0098] The PLC200 may be built into the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100I or provided separately. Based on a moisture content setpoint, which is the desired moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1, and a moisture content measurement value from the moisture content sensor 94, the PLC200 outputs a control command to the hot air blower 80 so that the difference between the moisture content setpoint and the moisture content measurement value becomes zero, thereby controlling the temperature of the hot air sent from the hot air blower 80. As a result, the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 being dried by the drum dryer 30 and the hot air blower 80 changes.

[0099] The moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1, dried by the drum dryer 30 and hot air blower 80, fluctuates depending on the environment and season. Therefore, by feedback-controlling the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1, the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 dried by the drum dryer 30 and hot air blower 80 can be kept within a certain range. As a result, the quality of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 can be stabilized. Furthermore, compared to the drum dryer 30, the hot air blower 80 is more responsive and easier to control, allowing for detailed control of the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1. In addition, since the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 can be controlled automatically, constant monitoring by the operator is unnecessary.

[0100] In other words, the reconstituted tobacco sheet 1 is manufactured by a manufacturing method that includes the steps of: supplying the reconstituted tobacco raw material to the supply port 24 of the die 20; forming and discharging the reconstituted tobacco raw material into a sheet from the discharge port 26 of the die 20; detecting the state (moisture content) of the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die 20; outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the detected state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material; and controlling a hot air blower 80, which is an actuator that changes the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material, based on the output electrical signal, thereby changing the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material.

[0101] As described above, the 14th embodiment further comprises a drum for drying and transporting the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die, and an auxiliary drying device positioned opposite the drum for drying the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die. The state detection unit detects the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco material dried by the drum and the auxiliary drying device, and the control unit controls the auxiliary drying device based on the detection result from the state detection unit, thereby changing the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco material dried by the drum and the auxiliary drying device. As a result, the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco sheet dried by the drum and the auxiliary drying device can be kept within a certain range.

[0102] Furthermore, the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100G according to the 12th embodiment, the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100H according to the 13th embodiment, and the reconstituted tobacco sheet manufacturing apparatus 100I according to the 14th embodiment may be combined in any way.

[0103] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, combinations or omissions of the components described in the claims and specification are possible to the extent that at least some of the above-mentioned problems can be solved or at least some of the effects can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1…Reconstructed tobacco sheet 10, 10A~10X... Extruder 11… Housing 12… Supply port 13...Extrusion port 14... Screw 20, 20A~20X…Die 21…Block 1 22…Block 2 23… Housing 24... Supply port 25... Manifold 26…Discharge port 27... Partition section 28...Protuberance 30... Drum dryer 31... Axis 32…Drum body 35... Drum dryer 36...axis 37... Drum body 40... Scraper 45... Scraper 51...Laura 52...Laura 61-63... Extruder 70... Die 71-73... Supply port 74…Discharge port 80... Hot air blower 91...Detection sensor 92... Variable width mechanism 93... Flow sensor 94…Moisture level sensor 100, 100A~100I... Manufacturing equipment for reconstituted tobacco sheets

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus for reconstituted tobacco sheets, A die that dispenses reconstituted tobacco raw materials, The die is equipped with an extruder for pressurizing the reconstituted tobacco raw material, The die described above is Housing and The housing has a supply port formed therein, into which the reconstituted tobacco raw material is supplied, The housing has a discharge port formed on one side for discharging the reconstituted tobacco raw material, A state detection unit for detecting the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material inside the die or the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die, A control unit that controls the operation of the manufacturing apparatus for the reconstituted tobacco sheet, An actuator that changes the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material, The system further comprises a drum for drying and conveying the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die, The state detection unit detects the discharge pressure of the reconstituted tobacco raw material inside the die and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result to the control unit. The actuator includes an auxiliary drying device positioned opposite the drum, which dries the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die. The state detection unit further detects the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco raw material dried by the drum and the auxiliary drying device, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result to the control unit. The control unit controls the actuator based on the electrical signal from the state detection unit. Manufacturing equipment for reconstituted tobacco sheets.

2. A manufacturing apparatus for a reconstituted tobacco sheet according to claim 1, The die has a variable width mechanism as the actuator that can change the widthwise length of the discharge port, The state detection unit detects the thickness of the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result to the control unit. The control unit controls the variable width mechanism based on the electrical signal from the state detection unit, thereby changing the widthwise length of the discharge port. Manufacturing equipment for reconstituted tobacco sheets.

3. A manufacturing apparatus for a reconstituted tobacco sheet according to claim 1 or claim 2, The state detection unit detects the flow rate of the reconstituted tobacco raw material discharged from the die and outputs an electrical signal to the control unit according to the detection result. Manufacturing equipment for reconstituted tobacco sheets.

4. A manufacturing apparatus for a reconstituted tobacco sheet according to claim 3, The extruder has a screw rotatably disposed within the housing as the actuator. The control unit controls the rotation of the screw based on the electrical signal from the state detection unit, thereby changing the discharge speed of the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die. Manufacturing equipment for reconstituted tobacco sheets.

5. A manufacturing apparatus for a reconstituted tobacco sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit controls the auxiliary drying device based on the electrical signal from the state detection unit, and changes the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco raw material being dried by the drum and the auxiliary drying device. Manufacturing equipment for reconstituted tobacco sheets.

6. A method for manufacturing a reconstructed tobacco sheet, A process of pumping the reconstituted tobacco raw material from the extruder to the die and supplying the reconstituted tobacco raw material to the supply port of the die, The process involves forming the reconstituted tobacco raw material into a sheet and dispensing it from the discharge port of the die, A step of detecting the state of the reconstituted tobacco material inside the die or the state of the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die, A step of outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the detected state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material, The process includes controlling an actuator that changes the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material based on the output electrical signal, thereby changing the state of the reconstituted tobacco raw material. The step of detecting the aforementioned state includes detecting the discharge pressure of the reconstituted tobacco raw material inside the die and detecting the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco raw material dried by the drum and auxiliary drying device. The drum dries and transports the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die, and the auxiliary drying device, as an actuator, is positioned opposite the drum and is configured to dry the reconstituted tobacco material discharged from the die. A method for manufacturing reconstructed tobacco sheets.

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